Anthony Edwards has often been labeled as one of the future faces of the NBA.
Before Victor Wembanyama's sudden yet incontrovertible rise to power, he was looked on as perhaps the singular heir to the coveted title of being the face of the league – rarified air by all measures.
Atlanta fans are no doubt aware of Edwards' ties to the city. Ant was born in Atlanta, raised in Atlanta, played high school ball in Atlanta, and even played for the University of Georgia in Athens, just an hour down the road, before being selected first overall in the 2020 NBA Draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Edwards spent the first 18 years of his life calling Atlanta home. For this reason, the mantra "Bring Ant home" has become a rallying cry for Hawks fans to pull the MVP candidate back to where his roots still lie, so fervently intertwined with the city of Atlanta.
Edwards' playful banter with Jalen Johnson during the All-Star break served as lighter fluid to the roaring fire that already had been set ablaze in Atlanta fans' hearts this season and years past. While Ant quickly silenced these rumors, it's not far-fetched to think that this was a PR move – any sane franchise would be hasty to advise their superstar to remain focused on the current season.
The good news for Hawks fans? There's yet another reason for Ant to come home, and it's all in the pocketbooks.
Atlanta's fandom runs deep, and its pockets deeper still
Atlanta Hawks owner Tony Ressler is a stringent businessman. Ressler's career and current title as co-owner and executive chairman of Ares Management Corporation no doubt enabled him to purchase the Hawks back in 2015, and he's captained a vastly successful ship in the decade since.
The Hawks ranked tied for second amongst all NBA franchises in profitability in a recent Forbes analysis – only behind the illustrious Golden State Warriors. Profitable franchises are strongly correlated with successful ones; for Atlanta, the writing seems to be on the wall.
Alongside the Hawks' profitable metrics are Ressler's deep pockets. In 2024, he ranked 9th richest among all NBA owners in terms of net worth. This wealth (and proof of long-term sustainable profit) could certainly drive Ressler to spend big (entering the luxury tax) if the opportunity to acquire Ant presented itself.
Edwards will command a contract that is simply ludicrous in the near future. The Minnesota Timberwolves, not too long ago, were so hesitant to give their last face of their franchise – Karl Anthony-Towns – the money he was due, that they traded him for nickels on the dollar (Julius Randle & Donte DiVincenzo are a marked step down from KAT's talent).
Why should Edwards remain with the same franchise that denied their last superstar his payday? Why not get paid the big bucks to play for your hometown? All signs are green for Edwards to come home, and all Tony Ressler needs to do is open his checkbook.