Hawks Eyeing Possible Sign-and-Trade Deal for Nickeil Alexander-Walker with Timberwolves
The Atlanta Hawks Eye a Potential Move for Nickeil Alexander-Walker
Get ready, sports fans! NBA insider Jake Fischer of The Stein Line hints at potential fireworks as the Atlanta Hawks might just approach the Minnesota Timberwolves to discuss veteran guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker.
Why the southern team's interest, you ask? Well, with around $30 million under the luxury tax line, the Hawks are expected to give it a shot at a sign-and-trade deal with the T-Wolves.
Looking for a Fresh Deal in Minnesota
With Alexander-Walker's two-year, $9 million contract coming to an end, the 2019 first-rounder is likely setting his sights on a contract closer to the $14.1 million mid-level exception this offseason. However, the Timberwolves' upcoming salary cap situation may not allow them to offer the raise he's earned.
Minnesota's roster from this season is already packed with 13 players, and they'll be adding two draft picks in the top 31. Besides Alexander-Walker, Julius Randle and Naz Reid could also become free agents. According to ESPN's Bobby Marks, retaining all three players could push the Timberwolves over $250 million in payroll, another trip into the second apron.
The Timberwolves' projected payroll for next season stands at $248.21 million, the seventh-largest overall, per Spotrac.
Whirlwind Trade Deals
This exciting news comes less than 24 hours after the Hawks, Boston Celtics, and Brooklyn Nets reached a deal involving Kristaps Porzingis. Boston sent Porzingis and a second-round pick to Atlanta, while Terance Mann and the Hawks' No. 22 pick moved to Brooklyn. Georges Niang and another second-rounder changed hands, with the Celtics adding them to their team.
Porzingis is on an expiring $30 million contract and might stick around in Atlanta. Other players with upcoming contract extensions include All-Star guard Trae Young, who has a player option, and guard Dyson Daniels.
Young, who could sign a four-year, $229 million extension, is eligible until next June 30. Had Young been named All-NBA this past season, he would have been eligible for a five-year, $345 million super max extension.
Alexander-Walker Shines in the Spotlight
Alexander-Walker, who was traded from Utah to Minnesota at the 2023 deadline as part of a three-team deal, has proven his worth as a reliable rotation player for the Timberwolves over the past two seasons.
In 82 appearances (10 starts), he averaged 9.4 points, career highs of 3.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists while shooting 43.8% from the floor and 38.1% from 3-point range last season.
Alexander-Walker put on a show with a season-high 26 points in Minnesota's 140-139 double-overtime win at Denver on April 1, shooting 8-of-16 (50%) from the field and 5-of-11 (45.5%) from deep.
In five games off the bench against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the conference finals, he averaged 12 points, 2.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 24 minutes while shooting 43.1% from the field and 41.4% from deep.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story! Will the Atlanta Hawks strike a deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves for Nickeil Alexander-Walker? Only time will tell!
- The Atlanta Hawks, in search of a fresh deal, might consider a trade for Nickeil Alexander-Walker from the Minnesota Timberwolves, considering their approaching salary cap situation.
- Alexander-Walker, a reliable rotation player for the Timberwolves, averaged 9.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in 82 appearances last season.
- With his contract coming to an end, Alexander-Walker is expected to seek a contract closer to the $14.1 million mid-level exception in the upcoming offseason.
- The Hawks, who recently made a deal involving Kristaps Porzingis, could potentially provide Alexander-Walker with an opportunity for a new contract and a place to shine in the NBA Finals.
