Anthony Edwards is now in his fourth season with the Minnesota Timberwolves, the franchise that selected him No. 1 overall in the 2020 NBA Draft. At just 22-years-old, he has a promising career ahead, prompting speculation about his future as a potential NBA superstar.
Related: NBA Execs Expect Timberwolves to Trade Karl-Anthony Towns This Summer
In today’s NBA landscape, super teams have become the norm, a precedent set by LeBron James, when he left Cleveland for Miami to join Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh. Dozens of superstars have followed suit since.
Naturally, many wonder if Edwards will eventually make a similar move, choosing to leave the mid-size market of Minneapolis/St. Paul, to chase big city dreams, stardom and a future championships.
Anthony Edwards has no desire to leave Minnesota Timberwolves
In a recent interview with Vanity Fair, however, Edwards made it clear he has no interest in leaving the state of Minnesota, saing “I ain’t going nowhere”. In fact, Ant sounds completely dumbfounded as to why bigger markets would be better than what he has here, “they ain’t better than Minnesota”.
Edwards doesn’t appear to be wired that way. Sure, New York and Los Angeles are “cool,” he says, “but they ain’t better than Minnesota.” And Edwards has embraced the Timberwolves, speaking often about his determination to bring a championship to the franchise. “Hell yeah, I ain’t going nowhere,” he says. “As long as they don’t trade me, we good.”
Vanity Fair
Related: Is ’24 Anthony Edwards ’84 Michael Jordan? If the Shoe Fits…
Head Coach Chris Finch has added his perspective, expressing a desire for Anthony Edwards to be the focal point in Minnesota. Finch envisions attracting players to come play for Edwards, rather than the other way around.
Finch believes Edwards’ “commitment is unwavering to the Timberwolves organization.”
“He’s a little bit of an outsider when it comes to the way he views the league,” Finch says. “I firmly believe he’s gonna say, ‘Hey, I’m not gonna be a part of your super team. I want people to come here and play with me, and we’ll win here together.’”
Vanity Fair
Ant is just built different
Edwards has the potential to become box office material, and what’s even more intimidating is the untapped potential he still possesses. Despite his raw age, Ant has already led the Timberwolves to the top of the Western Conference, at the All-Star break, leaving the league with reason to be keep tabs on his future growth.
Some nights it looks like spreading warm butter 🧈 on bread 🍞
— Bull Run (@defiisthelife) February 14, 2024
Anthony Edwards is HIMpic.twitter.com/GHfiulXcbp
Related: Anthony Edwards Credits Timberwolves Win to Rudy Gobert Cussing Out Teammates at Halftime
While hanging out with Vanity Fair, Edwards was able to walk through a crowded public hotel lobby, without being stopped by a mob of people. Same thing when they sat down at a public restaurant to eat and chat. When asked when he anticipates reaching full blown fame, to where those things will no longer be possible. Ant’s answer was classic.
“Two years from now,” he says. “For sure.”
It’s a reasonable estimate, but with Edwards, you never know. He might not need that much time.
Vanity Fair
Given his exceptional talent, will Anthony Edwards really require that much time to achieve widespread recognition? Timberwolves fans, cherish him. Seize every opportunity to watch him play, and never take for granted the fact that he plays in Minnesota.
Because he clearly doesn’t. Anthony Edwards is truly special, and we are only witnessing the start of what promises to be an incredible journey.