Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Timberwolves
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The Minnesota Timberwolves are scrambling to replace Nickeil Alexander-Walker late in the offseason.
The Minnesota Timberwolves are exploring the free-agent market to add a veteran wing, targeting Malik Beasley, a sharpshooting guard who finished as a Sixth Man of the Year finalist last season, as they look to fill the void left by Nickeil Alexander-Walker.
Beasley previously played three seasons in Minnesota from 2019 to 2022, averaging 15.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 130 games. His familiarity with the Timberwolves’ system and skill set gives Minnesota a unique perspective on how he could fit into the roster.
Alexander-Walker, a key contributor to Minnesota’s rotation, agreed this offseason to a four-year, $62 million sign-and-trade deal with the Atlanta Hawks, which also provided the Timberwolves with a trade exception. His departure leaves a notable hole in Minnesota’s backcourt, particularly in perimeter scoring and bench production.
High-Profile Target Draws Attention
Malik Beasley, Timberwolves
Getty Will Malik Beasley return to the Minnesota Timberwolves?
Beasley is among the most sought-after free agents on the market. Last season with the Detroit Pistons, he averaged 16.3 points off the bench and set a franchise record with 319 made 3-pointers, shooting 41.6% from deep on high volume. His ability to provide instant offense and floor spacing makes him a natural fit for teams with elite playmakers in the backcourt.
The guard was recently cleared of a federal investigation into alleged gambling ties, though the NBA is expected to conduct its own review before any deal can move forward. Multiple teams have expressed interest, including the Timberwolves, but NBA insider Jake Fischer reported that no negotiations “have advanced to the deal-making stage.”
Financial Challenges for Minnesota
While Minnesota, along with the New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers, is in the mix, according to Fischer, all three teams can only offer the veteran minimum. Beasley is expected to seek a contract above that level, giving teams with more cap flexibility an advantage.
Detroit remains in a strong position. The Pistons hold Beasley’s non-Bird rights and could offer $7.2 million annually despite an already crowded roster of perimeter players. Before the investigation emerged in June, Detroit had been preparing a three-year, $42 million deal.
For now, the Timberwolves must hope the market narrows enough that Beasley considers a minimum deal for a meaningful role on a playoff contender.
Replacing Alexander-Walker
Minnesota will also feel the absence of Alexander-Walker, a 26-year-old 3-and-D wing who averaged 9.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists last season while shooting over 38% from beyond the arc in each of the last two campaigns. Alexander-Walker made a strong impression in the playoffs, including a 23-point, six-assist performance in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals against the eventual champion Oklahoma City Thunder.
Aside from pursuing Beasley, Minnesota is considering bringing back Bones Hyland to fill the team’s final roster spot, according to Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic. The 24-year-old guard’s familiarity with Minnesota’s system and scoring potential make him an attractive option heading into the 2025–26 season.
Earlier this summer, the Timberwolves explored other backcourt options, including Malcolm Brogdon, Cam Payne, and Landry Shamet. Ultimately, Hyland’s combination of upside and team fit positioned him as the frontrunner—until Beasley unexpectedly reentered the free-agent market.
As Minnesota navigates the final weeks of the offseason, the pursuit of Malik Beasley underscores the team’s urgency to shore up a roster that lost a key spark off the bench and remains hungry to make a deeper playoff run.