The Atlanta Hawks are juggling multiple targets while risking the loss of key contributors. Atlanta is actively pursuing Minnesota’s wing Nickeil Alexander‑Walker via sign‑and‑trade, seen as a strong fit behind Trae Young, per The Stein Line.
"The Hawks are now being more frequently projected by rival teams as the team in pole position — ahead of Detroit — to acquire Nickeil Alexander-Walker in a potential sign-and-trade deal with Minnesota." They wrote on Sunday.
Rival front offices now frequently project the Hawks as the front‑runner for Walker, outpacing Detroit in the race for the $14 million mid‑level exception asset.
"The Hawks can comfortably absorb Alexander-Walker into their $25.3 million traded player exception that was created a year ago when Dejounte Murray was shipped to New Orleans." The Stein Line wrote.
Detroit, meanwhile, is aggressively targeting Philadelphia's off‑wing $32 million Caris LeVert, with Jake Fischer and Marc Stein reporting that the Pistons are “strongly expected” to pursue him away from Atlanta
"The Pistons, meanwhile, are strongly expected to focus on signing Caris LeVert away from the Hawks." They wrote.
J.B. Bickerstaff
Detroit Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff looks on.
© Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
The Hawks face a key decision on whether to retain LeVert. Acquired in February from Cleveland, LeVert has become a critical bench scorer, averaging 14.9 PPG in Atlanta.
However, though the Hawks “have shown a keen interest” in re-signing him, they sit roughly $14 million below the tax threshold, limiting maneuverability.
Detroit president Trajan Langdon previously worked with LeVert in Brooklyn and Cleveland, increasing familiarity. Landing LeVert could cushion potential departures like Malik Beasley and Dennis Schröder, who is on the watchlist of Sacramento.
In addition, The Stein Line says Detroit is considering Miami sharpshooter Duncan Robinson to fill a sudden void in perimeter shooting.
Robinson declined his $19.9 million player option, hinting at either a new deal with the Heat or availability via sign‑and‑trade.
With Atlanta’s window to keep depth intact narrowing, their action in the coming days could determine whether they stay aggressive or risk watching LeVert walk into Motown.