Viral All-Star comments fueled the Anthony Edwards to Atlanta homecoming speculation. Edwards clarifies his feelings about the Minnesota Timberwolves when speaking with reporters.
There were a few viral moments that took place at the 2026 NBA All-Star Game involving Anthony Edwards and Jalen Johnson, but none sparked more speculation than a brief courtside exchange that quickly took on a life of its own.
Cameras and microphones caught Edwards telling Johnson he “couldn’t wait to go home,” a remark that immediately ignited social media chatter. Given Edwards’ Atlanta roots and Johnson’s status as a cornerstone piece for the Atlanta Hawks, the clip was quickly framed by some fans as a hint about Edwards’ long-term future.
The leap wasn’t subtle. In an era where nearly every superstar comment is filtered through the lens of trade speculation, the idea of Edwards someday returning to Atlanta gained traction within hours. Timberwolves fans, understandably protective of their franchise player, began debating whether the comment signaled something more.
Edwards addressed the moment directly on Feb. 20 after the Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Dallas Mavericks, dismissing the idea that there was anything to interpret.
“I don’t think it’s nothing for real, it wasn’t too much,” Edwards said. “I’ve been knowing Jalen Johnson for a long time, that’s my dog, we were just having a conversation. I’m happy where I’m at.”
“I don’t think it’s nothing for real, it wasn’t to much," Edwards said. "I’ve been knowing Jalen Johnson for a long time, that’s my dog, we were just having a conversation I’m happy where I’m at.”
His response was measured and unambiguous. Edwards emphasized there was “nothing to clear up” and reiterated that he is content in Minnesota, a franchise that has embraced him since selecting him No. 1 overall in the 2020 NBA Draft.
Edwards’ background helps explain why the comment resonated. He attended Therrell High School in Atlanta before starring at the University of Georgia, cementing his identity as one of the city’s most prominent basketball products. For Hawks supporters, the notion of a homecoming is naturally appealing. For Timberwolves fans, it was a reminder of how quickly narratives can spiral.
Context matters. The All-Star break had just begun, and players were dispersing to spend time with family or return to familiar places. Edwards could just as easily have been referencing a short trip to Atlanta during the league’s pause. He also may have simply meant he was eager to return home to Minnesota and decompress.
What is clear is that there has been no public indication of dissatisfaction from Edwards regarding his current situation. He has led Minnesota to back-to-back Western Conference Finals appearances and remains the centerpiece of a roster that includes Julius Randle and Naz Reid. The Timberwolves once again look capable of making a deep postseason run in 2026.
Edwards is also under contract for three more seasons beyond this one, limiting the immediacy of any hypothetical movement. While NBA history shows that circumstances can change quickly, there is no tangible sign that Minnesota is in danger of losing its star.
As for Johnson, his presence in the viral clip underscores his growing stature. The Hawks forward has continued to develop into a legitimate All-Star caliber player, and Atlanta’s trajectory will hinge on how effectively the organization builds around him. It’s easy to joke about tampering or future recruiting efforts, but for now, the exchange appears to have been nothing more than two longtime friends sharing a moment on one of the league’s biggest stages.
In today’s NBA environment, every offhand remark is dissected. This time, Edwards made it clear: there was no hidden message — just a conversation between friends that briefly fueled a familiar cycle of speculation.