Anthony Edwards has officially entered a new chapter in his personal life after quietly marrying longtime girlfriend Shannon Jackson.
However, while the Minnesota Timberwolves star celebrated his wedding away from the spotlight, fans quickly shifted the conversation to the legal battles that have dominated headlines in recent months, with many questioning the timing of the couple’s surprise marriage.
Edwards and Jackson tied the knot on July 16, according to Minnesota public records reviewed by PEOPLE.
The marriage comes after more than five years together and follows months of speculation about the couple’s future after the NBA star was spotted wearing a black wedding band during Fanatics Fest.
The newlyweds share a 2-year-old daughter, Aislynn. Jackson is also mother to son Krue from a previous relationship with rapper Chief Keef.
Their relationship has largely stayed out of the public eye despite Jackson’s regular appearances courtside supporting Edwards during Minnesota Timberwolves games.
The wedding marks another milestone in a relationship that dates back to at least 2020, when Jackson first shared photos of the pair together on social media.
Following the news of Anthony Edwards’ marriage, several fans took to X to share their thoughts.
One surprised fan wrote on X, “When tf did Anthony Edwards get married?!??”
Another jokingly tied the news to LeBron James’ move to the Philadelphia 76ers, writing, “Anthony Edwards spent too much time getting married and not enough time recruiting LeBron James. C’mon, man. Priorities.”
A third fan also referenced LeBron James while poking fun at Edwards’ personal life, writing, “Lebron James seen Anthony Edwards married a 36 year old that’s a BM to other nigga and said HELL NAW.”
Others were more critical.
“Anthony Edwards just married an old woman who groomed him since he was 18 that’s actually so sick and sad,” one user claimed.
Meanwhile, another Timberwolves fan joked that Edwards had chosen “the altar ring before the court ring,” writing, “Anthony Edwards getting married before Minnesota gets out of the West is a bold priority call. Most guys wait for the court ring before the altar ring.”
Not every reaction was negative, however.
“So glad for this young couple. Love Anthony Edwards. Yes, get married young people. May God bless your marriage with longevity and lots of children,” another supporter shared.
The wide range of reactions reflected how closely Edwards’ basketball career and personal life have become intertwined over the past year.
Child Support Case Continues To Follow The NBA Star
Much of the online conversation centered on Anthony Edwards’ ongoing legal battle involving Ayesha Howard, the mother of his 8-month-old daughter, Aubri’ Summers.
Earlier this year, Howard alleged in court filings obtained by PEOPLE that Edwards intentionally concealed California-based financial assets while she pursued child support proceedings.
According to the filing, Howard claimed the Timberwolves guard withheld information that could affect child support calculations.
Edwards’ representatives did not publicly respond to the allegations when they surfaced.
Howard also previously denied online speculation that Edwards had paid millions of dollars in child support upfront, telling The Shade Room there had been no court agreement or settlement reflecting those claims.
More recently, TMZ reported that a Georgia judge ordered Edwards to pay Howard $3,222 per month in child support. Howard’s separate California case remains pending.
The legal proceedings continue independently of Edwards’ marriage to Jackson.
Shannon Jackson Has Been By Anthony Edwards’ Side For Years
While the legal headlines have generated significant attention, Jackson has remained a constant presence throughout Edwards’ rapid rise in the NBA.
The social media influencer has regularly attended Timberwolves games and supported Edwards during one of the most successful stretches of his young career.
Now 24, Edwards has become one of basketball’s brightest stars, earning multiple All-Star selections while helping transform Minnesota into a legitimate Western Conference contender.
Away from basketball, however, his expanding family has repeatedly attracted public attention.
Between sharing children with Jackson and Howard, Edwards has found himself balancing growing professional expectations with an increasingly scrutinized personal life.
The couple’s decision to marry suggests they remain focused on building their future together despite the outside noise.
Anthony Edwards And Shannon Jackson’s Relationship Predates The Headlines
Although Anthony Edwards’ marriage has sparked fresh conversation online, his relationship with Shannon Jackson has been years in the making.
The couple first went public in 2020, gradually giving fans glimpses into their relationship through social media while largely keeping their romance out of the spotlight. In March 2024, they welcomed their daughter, Aislynn, marking another milestone in their growing family.
Edwards’ commitment to being present for his family was evident. During the Timberwolves’ March 1, 2024, game against the Sacramento Kings, the All-Star guard abruptly exited at halftime after learning Jackson had gone into labor.
More than two years after welcoming Aislynn, Edwards and Jackson have now taken another significant step by becoming husband and wife.
While their surprise wedding has generated plenty of discussion, it also marks the latest chapter in a relationship that has quietly unfolded alongside the rise of one of basketball’s biggest stars.
