May 8, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) reacts to missing a shot against the San Antonio Spurs in the second half during game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
May 8, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) reacts to missing a shot against the San Antonio Spurs in the second half during game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
Love him or hate him, Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards is as loyal as they come. He’s one of the few max-level stars to stay with one team, the Timberwolves, throughout his entire career, and his ascension has ushered in a golden age for the franchise. Similarly, Edwards is committed to his exclusive partnership with Adidas, and he’s not afraid to let it show.
Recently, the young star was heard showing his loyalty to the brand in a freestyle rap that went viral online. Specifically, he called out Nike, Adidas’ biggest rival, sparking a wave of reactions from the fans. It’s hardly the first time he has taken the offensive for Adidas, and it likely won’t be the last. Still, this shot seemed especially brutal given the circumstances.
“Dope boy 95 AEs on. We don’t f**k with Nike; you can send them home,” Edwards said.
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It’s unclear what prompted the verse, but it’s hard to miss the intensity of his delivery. He was fully immersed in the moment, smiling ear to ear with sweat streaming down his face. It was pure aura for Edwards and a prime example of why he’s so beloved by the fans. Whether or not he actually meant the words isn’t entirely clear, but he obviously has no problem with mocking one of the biggest brands in sports, even if it forever ruins his future prospects with the company.
Some of the NBA’s greatest athletes are associated with the Nike brand, including Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant. To date, they dominate the industry with a net worth of $60.2 billion, and they have a history of attracting the best. Edwards, however, has been signed with Adidas since his rookie season, and one fan even joked that Edwards will need to sign a lifetime deal with them after essentially burning bridges with Nike. Fortunately, such a deal is not out of the question, as the arrangement has been mutually beneficial.
While Adidas still lags behind other brands, Edwards has been a worthy “ambassador” for the company. Besides his dominance on the court (averaged 28.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists per game last season), his personality and marketability have been a major draw to fans. His unwavering loyalty also builds a sense of pride within the franchise.
In return, Adidas has paid Edwards a small fortune over the past six years. In 2024 alone, he signed for a multi-year extension worth $50 million (roughly $10 million per year). Edwards has also enjoyed success with his personal shoe brand, the ‘Adidas AE’, which was mentioned in Edwards’ freestyle.
Ultimately, when it comes to the great Adidas vs. Nike war, people will always have their preferences, and Anthony Edwards is no exception. While he once revealed he couldn’t afford Adidas growing up, he has since fully embraced the brand and his role in helping elevate their presence in the NBA. Only time will tell if Nike (or any of their signature athletes) issues a response, but you shouldn’t hold your breath on that front.