After re-signing Naz Reid to a five-year $125 million deal, the Minnesota Timberwolves' chances of re-signing Nickeil Alexander-Walker became even less likely. On The Stein Line, Jake Fischer recently listed the Atlanta Hawks, Detroit Pistons, Los Angeles Clippers, and Orlando Magic as four suitors for Alexander-Walker.
“The Clippers, Hawks and Magic have all continued to be mentioned as possible destinations for the scrappy 3-and-D guard. Saturday's emergence of Detroit as a potential bidder for Alexander-Walker follows our publisher Marc Stein's reporting all week about Sacramento's serious interest in signing Schröder away from the Pistons.” Fisher reported.
With Reid’s new contract and Julius Randle likely re-signing, it would be challenging to retain NAW as well. The fear has been that a team could offer Alexander-Walker the full mid-level exception worth just over $14 million annually and thus price the Wolves out. If the Pistons or another team clears enough cap space, it’s possible they could pay NAW even more.
Detroit was long considered a suitor for Reid and now appears to be pivoting to Alexander-Walker. After reporting that the Pistons were interested in Alexander-Walker on Saturday, Fischer later reported that Detroit and Atlanta have emerged as the two strongest contenders for NAW. It has long been believed that the Wolves won’t be able to re-sign Alexander-Walker, and now, before free agency starts on June 30th, we have a clearer picture of his market.
Alexander-Walker's well-rounded skill set and value
Alexander-Walker averaged 9.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists on 43.8/38.1/78 shooting splits this past season. He is a do-it-all wing who provides spot-up shooting, on-ball defense, secondary creation, and playmaking. This skill set makes NAW the quintessential role player and allows him to fit with any team, including the four that are interested in him.
The Magic ranked dead last in three-point makes this past season. While trading for Desmond Bane will help with this problem, the Magic could still use more shooting, making NAW a logical target. For the Hawks, having spot-up shooting and perimeter defense next to Trae Young is always a priority.
The Clippers have built their identity around defense, making Alexander-Walker a clear fit. Additionally, his shooting would allow him to fit smoothly next to James Harden and Kawhi Leonard. Fischer mentioned that the Pistons could lose Dennis Schröder. As a result, Alexander-Walker’s on-ball defense and playmaking would be vital.
While we know about these four teams, there could always be a dark horse interested in Alexander-Walker. His skill set could benefit any team around the league; it just comes down to who can pay him. Unfortunately, all signs point to the Wolves being priced out and NAW finding a new home.
Losing Alexander-Walker would undoubtedly hurt, but to re-sign Reid and Randle, it’s a move that likely has to happen. If Minnesota does re-sign Alexander-Walker, he would likely be turning down significant money on the open market.