The NBA free agency window officially opened today at 6 PM ET, kicking off the league’s busiest and wildest time of the year. With teams working phones and eyeing roster upgrades, the Atlanta Hawks have quickly emerged as front-runners to make a big splash, and the buzz surrounds Timberwolves guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker.
According to Marc Stein and Jake Fischer, “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.”
The 26-year-old averaged 9.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists last season and is expected to command a deal near the full non-taxpayer mid-level exception.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (9) is reportedly set to exit the franchise.
Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Alexander-Walker has become a hot commodity, and the Hawks have a major advantage a $25.3 million traded player exception (TPE) created when they sent Dejounte Murray to the Pelicans. That TPE, which expires on July 7, could be used to absorb Alexander-Walker’s new deal without sending out matching salary. If a trade goes through, the Timberwolves would be the ones creating a trade exception this time around.
Minnesota simply can’t afford to keep him, especially after locking in Julius Randle and Naz Reid. With younger guards like Rob Dillingham, Jaylen Clark, and Terrence Shannon Jr. in the mix, the Wolves are ready to move on.
For Atlanta, who already added Kristaps Porzingis and picked Asa Newell in the draft, this would be another sharp move under new GM Onsi Saleh. Alexander-Walker brings scoring punch and defensive versatility, making him a perfect bench fit behind Trae Young or alongside Dyson Daniels, last season’s Most Improved Player.