Nickeil Alexander-Walker’s strong Game 4 performance has boosted his value ahead of free agency, putting the Minnesota Timberwolves in a tough spot financially.
The Minnesota Timberwolves face tough decisions this offseason, as Nickeil Alexander-Walker value continues to rise after his strong Game 4 showing in the Western Conference Finals.
Despite the Timberwolves’ narrow 128-126 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, Alexander-Walker impressed once again, dropping 23 points on efficient 9-of-15 shooting, including 5-of-8 from three-point range.
While the Timberwolves remain focused on their 2025 playoff survival, the looming financial challenges are hard to ignore.
Minnesota has been over the NBA’s second tax apron for several years, which means heavy luxury tax penalties if they push their payroll further.
According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, Alexander-Walker is poised to be a hot commodity in free agency this summer due to a lack of quality guards available.
Marks highlighted that 16 teams will have access to the non-taxpayer mid-level exception of $14.1 million for the 2025-26 season.
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