Coming off back-to-back conference finals runs, the Minnesota Timberwolves had three key free agents: Julius Randle, Naz Reid, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker. It was going to be impossible to re-sign all three players without dipping into the dreaded second tax apron or making another move.
As we all know, the Wolves chose to re-sign Randle and Reid, while Alexander-Walker signed with the Atlanta Hawks. The idea sounded pretty logical in theory: Terrence Shannon Jr., Jaylen Clark, and Rob Dillingham could collectively fill the void left behind by NAW.
However, it couldn't have worked out worse for the Wolves. In Atlanta, Alexander-Walker is enjoying a career season, averaging 20.3 points (a significant increase from his 9.4 ppg last season) -- this jump puts him at the center of the Most Improved Player discussions. Whereas the Wolves' young players have failed to take a leap, and Minnesota's bench is decimated without NAW.
It only felt fitting that the calendar year of 2025 ended with a blowout loss to the Hawks -- as the Wolves' regret continues to grow.
The Wolves could have re-signed Alexander-Walker
Now, I want to emphasize that the Wolves were in a tough spot, and I think most front offices would have done the same thing, especially if they believed in their young talent. Nevertheless, there were some ways they could have brought NAW back.
Firstly, they could have signed him and dipped into the second-apron again. This wouldn't have been ideal given the harsh penalties for repeat offenders. Notably, the Cleveland Cavaliers are the lone team in the second-apron this year. Still, it would have maximized the Wolves' title chances, so it could have ultimately been worth it.
The other clear path would have been to let Naz Reid walk. Of course, this decision would have been unpopular among Wolves fans. However, Reid earned a contract worth $9.9 million more annually than Alexander-Walker. As such, the Wolves would have been able to sign another center with this extra financial flexibility, and they would be in a better position.
Moving off of Donte DiVincenzo's salary would have been another route the Wolves could have pursued. The Wolves would have lost his lethal 3-point shooting, though. Salary dumping Mike Conley and Dillingham would have been another option. This would have been risky given Dillingham's upside and the Wolves' lack of a point guard. Regardless, it would have helped the team, and Alexander-Walker has proven he can play a PG-like role.
None of these options would have been ideal, but all of them would have been better than what the Wolves are currently dealing with.
The Wolves desperately miss Alexander-Walker's on-ball defense, spot-up shooting, secondary creation, playmaking, and leadership. This has led the Wolves' bench to struggle immensely, falling from the 19th-ranked scoring bench to the 26th.
Clark is the only young player who has given the Wolves positive minutes, yet he remains limited offensively. Meanwhile, Dillingham and Shannon have struggled on offense while not providing any defensive value. Both players have shot less than 40 percent from the field and averaged less than five points.
Ultimately, the Wolves betting on their young talent to replace Alexander-Walker seemed reasonable, but it couldn't have ended up more disastrous.