After being included in the Mike Conley trade back in 2023, Nickeil Alexander-Walker rejuvenated his career with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Alexander-Walker was a 2019 first-round pick. The Utah Jazz were NAW's second team as the New Orleans Pelicans traded him in the middle of his second season.
With the Jazz, Alexander-Walker averaged just 13.3 minutes and 5.5 points. However, in two and a half years with the Wolves, NAW averaged 20.4 minutes, 8.4 minutes, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists. Notably, Alexander-Walker earned a four-year $62 million deal with the Atlanta Hawks this summer. With the Wolves, Alexander-Walker found a team that utilized his skill set, and it changed the trajectory of his career.
Undoubtedly, many talented young players around the league could benefit from a change of scenery. One of these players is Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black. Sure, Black averaged 24.2 minutes last season, but that was without Jalen Suggs for half of the season. With Suggs back in the fold and the Magic trading for Desmond Bane, signing Tyus Jones, and drafting Jase Richardson, Black's role is unclear.
Black is a talented young player, but he could be on the move soon
It's not far-fetched to believe Black could be the odd man out in the Magic's rotation, especially given his lack of shooting. There's a possibility that Black gets moved at the deadline, especially as the Magic could look to save money. This would allow several teams to buy low on the 2023 lottery pick and give Black a chance to have a more consistent role. While it's not a perfect comparison, there could be some similarities between a Black and Alexander-Walker trade.
Black is a well-rounded guard with excellent positional size (6-foot-7) with a knack for defense and playmaking. He averaged 9.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists last season. The Arkansas product can guard both opposing guards and wings. It's unclear if he is capable of being a lead guard, but he's a skilled connective playmaker at the very least. He pairs this with solid finishing at the rim.
Anthony Black '24-25 pic.twitter.com/awj5wtH3w2
— Brett Usher (@UsherNBA) August 19, 2025
Again, despite Black's talent, there's a solid chance his role with the Magic dwindles, ultimately leading to a trade. Ironically, the Wolves could be in the mix for Black if he indeed becomes available. Given Minnesota's solid floor spacing, they could cover up Black's main weakness. Furthermore, the Wolves could use more guard play. He would also be a perfect fit with the Wolves' defensive-minded culture.
Black and Rob Dillingham are two young guards with vastly different skill sets. As a result, both players could co-exist and thrive together. Black's do-it-all skill set would make him an exciting fit next to Anthony Edwards as well. Being traded to the Wolves would draw another clear parallel between Black and Alexander-Walker.
Regardless, the Wolves would be far from the only team interested in Black if he becomes available. If Black ends up getting moved, don't be surprised if he rejuvenates his career like Alexander-Walker did with the Wolves.