Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
The Minnesota Timberwolves returned off the 2026 NBA All-Star break in the most Timberwolves way possible, struggling against, but eventually overcoming a down-bad Dallas Mavericks team (who’s front office is actively trying to lose games), 122-111 at Target Center.
Thankfully, the Wolves have Anthony Edwards, who was hunting his shot big time, in his first game back off his All-Star Game MVP Award, scoring 40 points (16/30 FG), to go with 6 rebounds and just 1 assist.
Ant’s eighth 40+ point game of the season.
the truth. 🐜 pic.twitter.com/pVU1ZvXENq
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) February 21, 2026
Anthony Edwards shuts down MN Timberwolves + ATL Hawks trade rumors
After the All-Star Game, Ant addressed the rumors that rose out of All-Star weekend, when he was caught on a camera microphone telling his good friend Jalen Johnson, who plays for Edwards’ hometown Atlanta Hawks, that he “can’t wait to come home,” which sparked internet rumors that he’ll seek a trade this offseason.
Unsurprisingly, Ant was oblivious to the anxiety he caused much of the fanbase, telling reporters gathered around his locker postgame that “there’s really nothing to clear up,” before laughing off the idea of being traded out of Minnesota, noting “I’m happy where I’m at”.
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
“I don’t think there’s nothing to clear up. There wasn’t too much. I’ve been knowing Jalen Johnson for a long time. That’s my dog, we were just having a conversation, there’s really nothing to clear up. I’m happy where I’m at.”
Anthony Edwards postgame vs Mavs (video via @DaneMooreNBA on X)
Anthony Edwards is currently playing on the second year of a massive five-year, league-maximum contract extension worth an average of $49 million per season and a total of $245 million guaranteed.
He’d go onto tell media last night that he’s loyal to the Timberwolves because “they embraced me” back in 2020, when they selected him No. 1 overall, when other teams did not see him in that light — “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.”
Rudy Gobert, Naz Reid have big nights for Minnesota Timberwolves
Edwards wasn’t the only contributor to last night’s way-too-close victory over Dallas. The Wolves do not win Friday without Rudy Gobert looking as fresh as he did off the break — in a DOMINANT effort down low for Minnesota.
The 7-foot Frenchman vacuumed up everything on the boards, especially the offensive side — finishing with 22 points (9/11 FG), 17 rebounds (including 10 off reb) and 3 blocks.
Where the Wolves still need more is off the bench. Luckily, they still have Naz Reid, who’s quickly surging up the odds tables to win his second-straight Sixth Man of the Year Award. The 26-year-old again carried the bench production last night, plus much more, popping off for 21 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 blocks.
TWO WORDS.
POSTERIZED HIM. pic.twitter.com/S6qEM9xaMz
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) February 21, 2026
Ayo Dosunmu is still getting acclimated, going an uncomfortable 2/9 from the field for just 5 points. Nonetheless, his pace on offense and effort on defensive remains a breath a fresh air, and juice the Wolves desperately needed.
Because not only will Anthony Edwards have to be the best player in the NBA down the stretch and through the postseason, if the Minnesota Timberwolves are going to make it back to, and beyond the Western Conference Finals this summer, but Chris Finch MUST figure out his rotation between now and the playoffs, too.
Anthony Edwards indirectly responds to rumors surrounding Chris Finch…?
Speaking of the head coach, Ant has been hearing the buzz surrounding Finchy’s job security, of late. After the game Friday, Minnesota’s 24-year-old superstar made a clear point to praise Chris Finch with the type of intention we rarely see from Edwards on anything.
It started in an on-court interview with ESPN after the win (below), where Anthony Edwards called Chris Finch the “toughest coach I ever had”, before reflecting on an offseason tip from his head coach on finding a spot he can get to for a shot he’s comfortable with, no matter the moment.
That advice, Anthony Edwards recanted with reporters later in the Wolves locker room, is what allowing him to take the next step in his development this year, and improve his numbers in clutch time.
(Of note, Ant has the highest clutch time shooting percentage | > 50% | of any player in the NBA this season.)
Anthony Edwards’ shooting numbers at the end of games have skyrocketed this season. Asked him about how and why that has improved from earlier in his career.
“I think Finchy is a big part of my success, because the last couple of years he was telling me I need a go to shot, I… pic.twitter.com/yYl1LC73XG
— Dane Moore (@DaneMooreNBA) February 21, 2026
Mentioned in this article: Anthony Edwards Chris Finch
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