Nickeil Alexander-Walker's pending free agency is a key storyline for the Minnesota Timberwolves this offseason. The challenging part for the Timberwolves is that they have two other key free agents in Julius Randle and Naz Reid. Moreover, they have one of the highest payrolls in the league, and they were a second apron team last year.
It's likely that the Wolves will prioritize re-signing Randle and Reid. As a result, it will be difficult to re-sign Alexander-Walker especially if he gets a massive contract on the open market Minnesota would be priced out. Luckily, the Wolves have an ideal replacement for NAW in Terrence Shannon Jr.
NAW's value is undeniable
Alexander-Walker's two-way contributions have been vital to the Wolves success. Defensively, he's highly versatile and an elite on-ball stopper. Offensively, his spot-up shooting, secondary creation, and playmaking are valuable.
Alexander-Walker showed his offensive impact and upside against the Thunder, where he averaged 12 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists on 43.1/41.4/80 shooting splits. Notably, NAW notched 23 points and six assists in Game 4, and had a 17 point outing in Game 1. This will only make his value go up in free agency, further increasing the likelihood Minnesota won't be able to retain him.
Shannon is the ideal replacement
Shannon was the 27th pick in the 2024 draft. In his rookie season, Shannon averaged 10.6 minutes, 4.3 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1 assist. However, he showed flashes of his upside and knack for scoring, including a 25 outburst against the Lakers. This continued in the playoffs when Shannon scored 15 points in 13 minutes against OKC in Game 3 and 11 points in Game 5.
Terrence Shannon Jr., Game 3:
— Brett Usher (@UsherNBA) May 25, 2025
15 PTS on 5/8 FG, 4/4 FT in 13 MP pic.twitter.com/xbkbcgdG4s
With a bigger role next season, Shannon could be in line for a breakout season. Considering the flashes of brilliance that Shannon showed and that he'll be 25 before the start of next season, he is polished enough to receive big minutes.
Shannon's biggest strength is his isolation scoring. He can score at all three levels, but is especially gifted finishing at the rim, this skill set was on full display during his college career at Illinois and Texas Tech. The 6-foot-6 wing is also a highly versatile defender who provides a ton of energy. His knack for defense and high energy play style will be key to fill the void left behind by Alexander-Walker.
In the limited minutes he received this season, Shannon was a spark plug off the bench, with more opportunity he feels poised to blossom into a key contributor off the bench. Ultimately, Shannon's combination of shot creation and defense makes him the ideal replacement for Alexander-Walker in the likely scenario where he leaves.