The Minnesota Timberwolves’ preseason might not be making headlines just yet, but Anthony Edwards sure is, and not for the reasons you’d expect. Being 24 and on a five-year, $244.6 million max deal, the NBA is starting to realize that Ant Dear is not just another feel-good sports story. Last season, Edwards averaged 27.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists across 79 games. Those numbers have made sure Minnesota has a player who knows his worth, and he’s not shy about making sure the world knows it, too.

During a recent conversation with Shams Charania, revolving around the Luka Doncic trade to LA, the Timberwolves guard didn’t hold back when addressing his own trade stories. “If I’m going to get traded, you better fu—– text me. Don’t leak that sh-t on Twitter — or X, or whatever. Send me a message. Let me know,” he said. The statement turned heads, not because he demanded a trade, but because he made it clear that he controls the narrative around his name.

To Edwards’ credit, teammate Naz Reid added another layer to the story, revealing a shift in Ant’s mindset heading into the 2025-26 season. “The mentality shift is completely different. I think the winning mentality, the way he strives for greatness, obviously, the way he works. He has younger guys in the gym following suit,” Reid said. “He’s ready to win.”

Off the court, Edwards has invested in his growth like few do. After stints with the US national team for the World Cup and the Olympics, he returned to Minnesota this summer, focused on refining his craft. “I feel like I was able to actually work on my game,” he said, nodding to the countless hours in the gym.

So much so, even player development coach Chris Hines has certainly told Edwards on multiple occasions that, “Greatness is boring.” Boring for Edwards means repetition and strict work, which, well, might just be the ingredients fueling a star who’s not done yet.

Even Edwards’ playoff resume reads like a who’s who of NBA precocious talent.

Anthony Edwards and changing the Wolves’ narrative ahead of the 2025-26 season

In 2024, he became the second-youngest player ever to record 400+ points, 100+ rebounds, and 100+ assists in a playoff run, following only LeBron James. That same year, he set the Timberwolves’ franchise playoff record with a 44-point game against Denver. Add three 40+ point playoff games by age 22, and you get a glimpse of just how special Edwards is. 

Looking at his contract, the $244.6 million max deal is about expectations. Edwards is now an All-Star for the third time, second-team All-NBA, and in the preseason survey of NBA GMs, he earned a 70 percent share for best shooting guard. The league knows his name, but Edwards is determined to make sure his legacy isn’t only limited to scoring.

On the court, Edwards can create his own shot and has improved consistency from deep. But beyond stats and skill that have put him into MVP conversations again, it’s his aura that makes him a player to watch.

The Wolves’ locker room feels different with Edwards stepping up. Younger players mirror his work ethic, the team’s dynamics are shifting, and the message is set that winning is the new standard.

While trade conversations come up, it is fairly apparent that Edwards is adamant in Minnesota, unless, of course, the rare NBA alignment takes place. And if that happens, we already know Shams Charania will get the first text.