In a saga that could be making more headlines off the court than on, Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves is navigating the choppy waters of paternity and custody. The NBA star, known for his electrifying performances on the hardwood, is now in the spotlight for personal reasons, choosing to hand over full custody of his 5-month-old daughter, Aubri’, to her mother, Ayesha Howard. The decision follows a DNA test that confirmed Edwards as the father, amidst what has been a heated and public paternity dispute.
Edwards' decision not to pursue visitation seems indicative of his current focus, as sources have noted he’s agreed to these terms, perhaps suggesting a desire to put this chapter behind him and concentrate on his career. Ayesha Howard, who has had sole custody of Aubri' since her birth, contends that this arrangement only formalizes what has already been her reality.
The backstory here is as intense as a playoff series. Howard claims that she and Edwards spent significant time together during his tenure with the Timberwolves and during his off-seasons before she discovered she was pregnant in January 2024. According to Howard, Edwards' reaction to the news wasn’t positive, leading to strained communications between the two.
Fast forward to March 2025, and Howard filed for sole custody and requested that Edwards’ name be included on Aubri's birth certificate. October 2024 had seen Edwards initiating a paternity suit, seeking a DNA test, which inadvertently set the wheels in motion for what we’re seeing now.
Adding fuel to the fire were rumors spreading on social media that Edwards had proposed paying his child support obligations in one lump sum for the next 18 years — a jaw-dropping suggestion if true. But Howard was quick to shut those down, asserting that no such discussions or agreements have taken place. Her comments on Instagram reiterated that certain tales circulating are just rumors, bringing a semblance of calm to the frenzy of speculation.
While Edwards remains tight-lipped about the situation, this decision to focus on the legalities of child support and custody may allow the rising Timberwolves star to channel his energies back to the game. Fans and observers will be watching closely to see how this personal development impacts Edwards on the court, but for now, the hope is for stability and resolution off it.
[Anthony Edwards agrees to give Ayesha Howard full custody of daughter pic.twitter.com/f7BrqL0L15]
[Last last month, a user on X took named @PrincessM___ posted a message about Edwards that said, Edwards “really told the judge he wanna pay the whole 18 years of child support upfront is absolutely insane he hates that girl omfg… like the WHOLE 18 years in 1 Payment?” and added that he wants it all to be “over with immediately…”]
