Well, it happened, Nickeil Alexander-Walker left the Minnesota Timberwolves, signing with the Atlanta Hawks on a four-year $62 million deal. Undoubtedly, losing one of the best role players in the league will hurt. However, this was an expected move, and Terrence Shannon Jr. is the perfect replacement candidate for NAW.
Free agent Nickeil Alexander-Walker has agreed to a four-year, $62 million deal with the Atlanta Hawks, plus a player option and trade kicker, sources tell ESPN. CAA Co-Heads of Basketball Aaron Mintz/Austin Brown and Steven Heumann reached the contract with the Hawks tonight. pic.twitter.com/G93cmxsHGo
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2025
After losing Alexander-Walker, the Wolves are set to unleash Terrence Shannon Jr. in a sizable role off the bench. Jaylen Clark will also get a bigger role. However, Shannon has more offensive upside and thus is poised to get the majority of NAW’s minutes. Chris Finch has already hinted at Shannon having a bigger role saying that, "next year he is going to be a significant part of our rotation."
In his rookie season, Shannon averaged 10.6 minutes, 4.3 points, 1.5 rebounds, and an assist on 48.2/35.5/81 shooting splits. Nevertheless, he showed flashes of his scoring upside, notching 15-plus points four times in the regular season and playoffs combined. In Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals, Shannon’s impact was on full display when he poured in 15 points in 13 minutes.
Shannon is ready for a bigger role
The 6-foot-6 wing is a gifted three-level scorer and elite athlete. Shannon's ability to score in bunches makes him the perfect microwave scorer off the bench. Between Shannon, Naz Reid, Donte DiVincenzo, and Rob Dillingham, the Wolves' scoring upside off the bench is incredible. At his best, Shannon could have a Bennedict Mathurin-type of role with the Wolves. Defensively, Shannon provides energy and versatility. His ability to force turnovers and guard multiple positions makes Shannon a positive defender.
Shannon needs to work on some of the nuances of defense and is far from replicating Alexander-Walker’s impact as an on-ball defender. Nevertheless, Shannon has the tools to develop further as a defender. Offensively, Shannon needs to improve his spot-up shooting a bit. Notably, he shot 34.6 percent on catch-and-shoot 3s compared to Alexander-Walker’s 42.5 percent.
Still, Shannon’s ability to create his own shot and score at all levels makes him an ideal offensive replacement. Furthermore, Shannon’s ability to handle the ball as a secondary playmaker will help him fill in NAW’s role. However, making better decisions as a passer would help Shannon a bit. With more minutes, Shannon has the ability to improve in these areas. In the playoffs, we saw flashes of how Shannon can perform in the biggest moments, and as a second-year player, we should see more from him with a bigger role. Overall, from a shot creation and offensive upside standpoint, Shannon is an ideal replacement for Alexander-Walker.