5 Timberwolves at risk of being traded this summer
By Will Eudy
2. Nickeil Alexander-Walker
Most Timberwolves fans will never forget when Minnesota acquired Nickeil Alexander-Walker. Leading up to the 2023 trade deadline, rumors were swirling that the Wolves were looking to move on from D'Angelo Russell, and that is precisely what they did when they pulled off a three-team trade with the Lakers and Jazz.
In the deal, they of course landed Mike Conley, along with several draft picks. The player that was considered the "throw-in" for the deal was Nickeil Alexander-Walker. As it turns out, NAW may have ended up being the best part of that deal for the number one seed Timberwolves.
For the season, he is averaging his highest scoring average (7.2 points) since his 2021-22 season with the Pelicans, along with bringing stellar defense each time he steps on the floor for Minnesota. He is undoubtedly outplaying his contract value, but what that means is that he will be due for a pay raise at the end of his current deal.
Nickeil will be under contract with the Timberwolves next season before being set to hit unrestricted free agency in summer of 2025. Minnesota could opt to package him in a trade this coming offseason to avoid having to write him a hefty check down the road.