Anthony Edwards is having an outstanding All-Star season as the Minnesota Timberwolves‘ franchise player, yet he has not hidden his enthusiasm for a possible return to his hometown and the Atlanta Hawks. After the recent All-Star game, Edwards was recorded speaking with Hawks star Jalen Johnson, expressing excitement about the prospect of coming back to Atlanta. He told Johnson,
“I can’t wait to come home… y’all got so many wings.”
Born and raised in Atlanta, Edwards developed his skills at Holy Spirit Preparatory School, where he emerged as a five-star basketball recruit. He continued his basketball journey in Georgia, earning All-SEC honors during his single season at the University of Georgia before being selected as the first overall pick by Minnesota in the 2020 NBA Draft.
When addressing the viral conversation with Johnson, Edwards downplayed the speculation but did not dismiss the possibility of joining the Hawks one day. He remarked,
“I don’t think there’s nothing to clear up. It wasn’t too much, just a conversation. I been knowing Jalen Johnson for a long time. That’s my dog. We was just having a conversation. It’s really nothing to clear up. I’m happy where I’m at.”
Potential for a Star Partnership Between Edwards and Jalen Johnson in Atlanta
Although Edwards affirmed his contentment with the Timberwolves, he left open the chance for a future partnership with Jalen Johnson on the Hawks’ roster. Edwards, now in his fourth season, has been instrumental in lifting Minnesota from a struggling Western Conference team to a playoff contender, helping the Timberwolves reach back-to-back Western Conference Finals appearances in 2024 and 2025 for the first time in franchise history.
Johnson, 24, has been making significant strides with Atlanta this season, averaging 23.3 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game. His selection as an All-Star in 2026 marked his first career All-Star nod, validating the Hawks’ faith in him after his initial years, which included time spent developing in the G League.
A potential Edwards-Johnson duo in Atlanta has drawn comparisons to the legendary partnership of Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, combining size and talent in a way that could redefine the Hawks’ competitiveness in the NBA.
Edwards Sets Ambitious Goals for the Timberwolves’ 2026 Campaign
Currently, Edwards and the Timberwolves are aiming to maintain and build on their recent success as they pursue a third straight trip to the Western Conference Finals. Minnesota sits sixth in the Western Conference standings and boasts a strong recent record, winning seven of their last ten games.
Edwards’ recent 40-point performance against the Dallas Mavericks, contributing to the team’s fifth consecutive win, illustrates his leadership and scoring prowess. After the game, the four-time All-Star emphasized the team’s desire to finish the season on a high note.
Despite the challenges, Edwards remains optimistic about the Timberwolves’ chances, setting an ambitious target by hoping they can remain undefeated in their last 25 games. How the remainder of the season unfolds will reveal if this aspiration is within reach.
Anthony Edwards to Jalen Johnson after the All-Star game:
"I can't wait to come home… y'all got so many wings." pic.twitter.com/FxsFjDy5I3
— Hoops Alerts (@TheHoopsAlerts) February 16, 2026
Here's Anthony Edwards when he was asked about his "I can't wait to come home" comment to Jalen Johnson that was caught on camera.
"I don't think there's nothin to clear up. It wasn't too much, just a conversation. I been knowing Jalen Johnson for a long time. That's my dog. We… pic.twitter.com/b1WYGiilgK
— Dane Moore (@DaneMooreNBA) February 21, 2026
Atlanta's walking triple-double.
First-time NBA All-Star, Jalen Johnson 🌟 pic.twitter.com/qHndbQjJz5
— NBA (@NBA) February 16, 2026
Jalen's first All-Star intro 🥹👏 pic.twitter.com/Kc9GG2ypBO
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) February 15, 2026
"We got 25 more [games] hopefully we can go 25-0."
— Anthony Edwards has high expectations for the Timberwolves down the stretch 📈 pic.twitter.com/5k8nsRdxKW
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) February 21, 2026
