Anthony Edwards might forever be lauded as Michael Jordan’s “son” or the “next MJ,” but the man in question will always remain loyal to his childhood idol, Kevin Durant. By now, we are only too familiar with ANT’s obvious admiration for the ‘Slim Reaper’. But if you thought it meant the 23-year-old would let him go scot-free … well, we all saw what Edwards and his wolf-pack did to the Phoenix Suns in the first round of the playoffs last season.

Speaking about the 4-0 series sweep in a panel with KD in the Fanatics Fest (NYC) with former pro, Jalen Rose, it seems the “Ant-Man” might just have some misgivings about having to kick his favorite player of all time off the championship race. “I felt bad a little bit, only because he’s my favorite player of all time. I didn’t wanna send him home like that,” he confessed, as Rose and the crowd laughed at his admission.

Durant, for his part, was smiling and shaking his head on the other side. But the all-time Olympic scorer knows that he wouldn’t have it any other way! In fact, KD’s respect for this spunky kid, 12 years younger than him, is his love for the game. It translates into the kind of work ethic, drive, and determination we have seen from the first-time Olympic gold medalist, which is on full display when Edwards steps on the court.

But did Anthony Edwards always feel that way? We think not. Here are three instances where the ANT was flaunting his playoff triumph over ‘Durantula’.

Mic’d up Anthony Edwards showed no mercy to Kevin Durant

Let’s start with an in-game situation. Dominating over one of the most talented backcourt trio of KD, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, the young Timberwolves had already backed the Suns’ veterans into a corner. They had just one chance to stay in the playoffs, but with the way things were progressing in Game 4, it was slim.

And to add to the excitement, Edwards was mic’d up for the first half of the matchup. Needless to say, we were going to get some gold moments. The 2x All-Star did not disappoint. In one of the courtside moments, Anthony was heard trash-talking the future Hall of Famer in true ANT fashion. “You won’t get that easy no more K,” he told Durant while maintaining his focus on defense.

That’s one. Let’s jump to the second instance.

When the ANT trolled KD ahead of the Summer Olympics

However the Wolves had to accept defeat at the hands of the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference Finals. However, they showcased a historic run, ensuring the league knew Minnesota was a team to look out for in the coming years. However, his trolling of Kevin Durant was still not done. After sweeping the Suns, the Inside crew had a little post-game victory chat with Anthony Edwards.

And when they asked him what excited him the most about the Paris Olympics, given KD and he were going to be teammates, the 6’4 guard had an epic reply. “I love that guy man and I’m excited to play with him this summer. Talk a little trash and let him know, I sent him home,” Edwards joked.

And what did the 14x All-Star have to say to Edwards and his unapologetic trolling? “I am so impressed man, so impressed with him, (he’s) my favorite player to watch. Just grown so much since he came into the league. His love for the game just shines bright and that’s one of the reasons I like him the most.” Clearly, Durant knows it’s the heat of the matchup and the drive for greatness that pushes Anthony Edwards to do what he does on the court, particularly when going against elite NBA names. Now, what about that final one?

Ant-Man can’t help but bask in the triumph of knocking one of the greatest in the sport off his hinges

Sitting down with the Georgia native during the training camp in Las Vegas, Yahoo Sports senior reporter Vincent Goodwill had a few questions for the emerging superstar. Naturally, it started with a KD question. Having interviewed Durant before Edwards, Goodwill revealed that the 2x Finals MVP was all praise for ANT for the way he led the team in the playoffs. Hearing that, No. 5 couldn’t help but feel proud.

“That means a lot because he’s my favorite player. But I started to see it as the series went on,” Edwards admitted. “I’ll make plays and he’ll look at me. I make reads to the corner, like the right play, and he looked surprised. I’m like, ‘Bro, this is what I do.'”

Clearly, Kevin Durant was thoroughly impressed! Because per Goodwill, the 4x gold medalist admitted that he “couldn’t fight back because we was getting swept.” Respect! If you still don’t believe this wholesome relationship, here’s what the Washington native called after the Jalen Rose panel session at Fanatics Fest. “I call him the baby GOAT.”

Well, Anthony ‘Baby GOAT’ Edwards it is!

 Before you go, do not forget to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Asia Avinger.