Finding the right anthony edwards kids jersey is a lot harder than it used to be. Honestly, the NBA jersey market has become a maze of "Swingman" vs. "Replica" and shifting numbers. If you aren't careful, you’ll end up with a jersey that’s three sizes too big or, worse, one with the wrong number on the back.
"Ant-Man" is the face of the Minnesota Timberwolves now. Because of that, his gear sells out fast. I’ve seen parents scrambling at the Target Center or on the NBA Store website trying to figure out why one jersey is $60 and another is $100. It's confusing.
Let's break down what's actually happening with these jerseys in 2026.
The Big Number Swap: Why 5 is the New 1
If you see an Anthony Edwards kids jersey with the number 1 on it, it’s probably on a clearance rack. Or it's a "classic" throwback. Edwards famously wore #1 for his first three seasons, but he switched to #5 before the 2023-2024 season.
He didn't do it for marketing. He did it for his family.
He grew up wearing 5. His grandmother and his mother both passed away on the 5th of the month. To him, that number is "his" number. He had to wait for Malik Beasley to leave the team before he could grab it, but now that he has it, it’s here to stay.
If you are buying a gift for a kid today, make sure it has the number 5. Kids are observant. They want what Ant is wearing on the court right now, not the rookie-era leftovers.
Choosing the Right Style: Swingman vs. Fast Break
You basically have two main choices when looking for an Anthony Edwards kids jersey.
First, there’s the Nike Swingman. These are the gold standard. They look almost exactly like what the pros wear, with heat-applied twill names and numbers. They use Nike’s Dri-FIT tech, which is great if your kid actually plays basketball in it. Expect to pay around $90 to $100 for these.
Then there’s the Fanatics Fast Break replica. These are a bit easier on the wallet, usually sitting around $60 to $70. The fabric is softer and the fit is more "generous." If your kid is just wearing it to school or to a game, this is often the better move because it isn't as "scratchy" as the performance mesh on the Nikes.
The 2025-26 City Edition: The "Prince" Influence
The hottest item right now is the 2025-26 City Edition. It's purple.
Minnesota has a deep connection to Prince, and the newest City Edition jerseys lean heavily into that "Purple Rain" aesthetic. It’s flashy. It’s funky. It’s also the one that sells out the quickest. If you’re looking for a anthony edwards kids jersey that stands out from the standard navy and white, this is it.
Just keep in mind these are limited runs. Once they're gone from the NBA Store or Fanatics, you're looking at eBay prices, which nobody wants to pay.
Sizing Guide: Don't Guess
NBA youth sizing is notoriously weird.
A "Youth Small" is typically a size 8. A "Youth Extra Large" is an 18-20. Here is the thing: the Nike jerseys run slim. They call it a "tailored fit." If your kid is between sizes, always size up. A jersey that's a little baggy looks fine over a hoodie; a jersey that’s too tight just stays in the closet.
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- Youth Small (8): Fits most 7-8 year olds.
- Youth Medium (10-12): The sweet spot for 9-10 year olds.
- Youth Large (14-16): Good for middle schoolers.
- Youth XL (18-20): Basically a Men’s Small. If your kid is hitting a growth spurt, just buy the Men’s Small.
Authentic vs. "Knockoffs"
I get it. $100 for a shirt a kid will outgrow in a year is steep. But be careful with the $25 jerseys you see on random websites.
The "fakes" often have the wrong shade of Timberwolves blue (it ends up looking more like Mavs blue) and the stitching is usually terrible. Plus, those heat-pressed numbers on the knockoffs tend to peel after three washes. If you want it to last, stick to the licensed retailers like the Timberwolves Team Store, Nike, or Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Cleaning Tips for Parents
Do not—I repeat, do not—throw a Nike Swingman in the dryer on high heat.
The numbers are heat-applied. If you bake them in a dryer, they will crack or start to lift at the edges. Wash it inside out on a cold cycle and let it air dry. It takes longer, but the jersey will actually look good for more than a month.
How to Get the Best Deal
The best time to buy is usually during the off-season, but with Edwards being such a superstar, he doesn't go "on sale" often. However, you can frequently find 20% off codes on Fanatics if you sign up for their annoying email list.
Also, check the "Name & Number" T-shirts. They’re called "Sherseys." They have the name and number 5 on the back, but they’re just cotton tees. They usually cost about $35. For a younger kid who might spill juice on a $100 jersey, the Shersey is a legendary alternative.
Next Steps for Your Purchase:
- Check the Number: Confirm you are looking at the #5 jersey, not the old #1.
- Measure a Current Shirt: Compare your kid’s favorite t-shirt to the Nike size chart—if they are even close to the edge, move up one size.
- Decide on Edition: Choose between the Icon (Navy), Association (White), or the new City Edition (Purple) based on their preference.
- Choose Fabric: Pick the Nike Swingman for the "pro" look or the Fanatics Fast Break for a softer, more casual feel.