Anthony Edwards was the subject of many rumors following the All-Star Weekend about a potential move to the Atlanta Hawks, but alas, he shut down those talks in his first postgame press conference after the break.
Edwards, born and raised in Atlanta, first caught fans’ attention during the pregame introductions. When his name was called, Edwards flipped his backwards Atlanta Braves hat forward and pointed at the iconic A logo (3:20, League Pass required), a nod to his roots.
While this could be perceived as a subtle indication that Edwards is eying a homecoming to the Hawks, this wasn’t quite enough to stir the pot. Ant-Man is well known for his expansive Braves hat collection, which he flaunts as often as he can. He loves his hometown, yes, but to say a move was brewing would have been jumping the gun.
Rumors truly picked up steam at the end of the event. Edwards was partnered with Jalen Johnson on the “Stars” team, and the two instantly clicked. Their on-court chemistry was readily apparent, highlighted by a beautiful Johnson-to-Edwards alley-oop that had the crowd, both players, and Hawks fans jumping for joy.
After the Stars won the All-Star tournament, Edwards appeared to say to Johnson, “I can’t wait to come home.” What made these rumors even spicier was that Ant, who was freely speaking before this last comment, covered his mouth and leaned close into Johnson’s ear – almost as if he knew he wasn’t supposed to say what he told Johnson.
A homecoming is off the table… for now
Edwards shut these rumors down in his first presser following the break, saying, “I don’t think there’s nothing to clear up. It wasn’t too much, just a conversation.” He followed with, “I been knowing Jalen Johnson for a long time, that’s my dog, we were just having a conversation.”
If this weren’t clear already, he ended his remarks on Atlanta with, “I’m happy where I’m at.”
He then said that he appreciated Minnesota because “they embraced me, a lot of people didn’t think I was worthy of the number one pick, and they did. I think that’s the main thing.”
The speculation was fun, but the short-term answer is clear: Ant-Man is staying Minny.
After all, the rumors didn’t make much sense. Edwards is in the second season of a five-year deal, and there is no realistic trade the Hawks can make to acquire him without sending Jalen Johnson and a serious draft haul. Is it worth decimating your team to add one star? Probably not. Edwards would have to pull some serious stunts to bring his value down to a price Atlanta would feel comfortable paying.
With Edwards’s previously mentioned undying love for his hometown, however, I predict this will not be the last time a potential homecoming is rumored. Even if a move doesn’t make much sense today, Edwards will likely always want a chance to trade his Braves hats for some Hawks jerseys. After all, Ant-Man has been criticized before for his loose lips. Don’t be surprised rumors get stirred up again with an off-handed comment like his at the All-Star game.