Latest news with #Alexander-Walker
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Los Angeles Lakers Are The Favorites To Land A Key Two-Way Shooting Guard
Los Angeles Lakers Are The Favorites To Land A Key Two-Way Shooting Guard originally appeared on Fadeaway World. The Los Angeles Lakers are entering a critical off-season, and any wrong move can have major implications for their next title pursuit. While their cap flexibility is somewhat limited, the Lakers are in the running to land a talented two-way swingman that could further bolster their backcourt. Advertisement According to Bovada Sportsbook, the Lakers are the better favorites for shooting guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker if he leaves the Minnesota Timberwolves this summer. At +235, they hold a steady lead over other top contenders, such as the Brooklyn Nets (+290), Golden State Warriors (+425), Miami Heat (+525), and the Toronto Raptors (+900). After trading for Luka Doncic in February and rescinding the trade for Mark Williams, the Lakers don't have much cap space to work with, but they still have a non-taxpayer mid-level exception ($14.1 million), which they can use to sign free agents. Alexander-Walker made just $4.3 million in the final year of his contract, so he's someone who fits their price range if they can negotiate a new deal worth roughly $10-$12 million. While he's no star, having another defensive-minded body on the perimeter will surely help to neutralize the defensive shortcomings of Luka Doncic. In 82 games for the Timberwolves, Nickeil averaged 9.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game on 43.8% shooting. In the playoffs, he serves as their leading man off the bench, with averages of 8.9 points, 2.3 assists, and 1.8 rebounds. In Game 4, he even led the team in scoring with 23 points off the bench in just over 29 minutes. Advertisement Nobody knows for certain if Alexander-Walker plans to leave the Timberwolves, but the franchise is expected to make some changes this summer. If they can't pull off their dreams of pairing Edwards with Kevin Durant, they are sure to make some tweaks to the supporting cast, and it's uncertain how Nickeil fits in. With the Lakers, he could thrive in JJ Redick's system and enhance his game alongside LeBron James and Luka Doncic. As a proper 3-and-D player in the backcourt, he could help the Lakers close games and maintain a championship-level defense. He could also allow the Lakers to play small, using him, Luka, and Reaves along with Rui Hachimura and LeBron James. While he's just one of many potential solutions this summer, this could be a way the Lakers could improve without breaking up their core. Despite some doubts about the LeBron, Luka, and Reaves trio, Rob Pelinka still believes in the group, and that means we should expect some smaller moves to adjust the supporting cast instead. The question is, how far will the Timberwolves go to try and re-sign their guy? Advertisement If he's available, the Lakers will make a respectable offer, but it may not be enough to outbid the Timberwolves or other teams who are sure to pursue his services. In the end, only time will tell how it all plays out, but the Lakers are going to consider all options this summer as they work to improve the roster by any means necessary. With LeBron James in his final years, the time to win is now, and the Lakers will not just stand by and waste an opportunity to get better. For the right price, Nickeil Alexander-Walker is a reasonable acquisition for them, and he's someone who could help in one of their greatest areas of need. Related: NBA Executive Makes Bold Claim Regarding Bronny James' Role With The Lakers Next Season This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on May 31, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Orlando Magic Could Target Minnesota Timberwolves Guard
The offseason has already begun for the Minnesota Timberwolves. After their Game 5 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, it immediately became time for Chris Finch to turn the page. This summer is a critical one with multiple key storylines to watch. Maybe most importantly is just how different things will look as Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez take over as owners. That process now has a late-June timeline, and will be quickly followed by the NBA Draft (June 25th) and free agency (June 30th). Advertisement Of course Tim Connelly, should he return as team president, also has to make multiple roster decisions. Insider suggests Nickeil Alexander-Walker a fit for Orlando Magic Last week local insider Darren 'Doogie' Wolfson outlined a blueprint for a trio of Minnesota Timberwolves free agents. Of the Naz Reid, Julius Randle, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker group, it was NAW that he sees as certainly gone. NBA Insider Marc Stein tied the Timberwolves guard to the Orlando Magic. 'Next season's full midlevel exception will be worth more than three times what Alexander-Walker made last season at $14.1 million … with rumbles already in circulation that Orlando is a team to watch as a potential suitor.' Marc Stein – The Stein Line That full midlevel exception is the same value that Wolfson alluded to him having done everything in his power to earn. NAW spent time with both New Orleans and Utah before truly blossoming in Minnesota. Advertisement Orlando finished with a 41-41 record this past season. They made the playoffs as the 7th seed in the Eastern Conference. The Magic won just a single game against the defending champion Boston Celtics in the first round. NAW represents another starting option to pair with Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Jalen Suggs. Alexander-Walker was a bench player for Chris Finch's Minnesota Timberwolves, but he has become one of the premier perimeter defenders across the NBA. The 6'5″ shooting guard averaged 9.4 points per game this season. His 43.8% shooting was bested by only the 43.9% he shot a year ago. Obviously it was his cousin Shai Gilgeous-Alexander that drew all of the major headlines in the Western Conference Finals. Alexader-Walker's 23 point outing in Game 4 was quite a statement though. It was a postseason career-best across 37 total games. Advertisement Related: Local Insider Scoops Timberwolves Plan for Multiple Key Contributors This Offseason This was the final season of a two-year, $9 million contract NAW signed with the Timberwolves. He should make well over that amount annually, and the total figure should be a handsome sum for the 26-year-old. The Minnesota Timberwolves are largely expected to stay out of the bidding process for Alexander-Walker. They'll need to replace his minutes with another capable bench player. They are also looking for a creator that can operate as a solid point guard alongside Anthony Edwards. Related Headlines
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
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Ranking Nickeil Alexander-Walker free-agency destinations if he leaves Timberwolves
The post Ranking Nickeil Alexander-Walker free-agency destinations if he leaves Timberwolves appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Minnesota Timberwolves were just eliminated from the Western Conference Finals by the Oklahoma City Thunder. Unfortunately for Timberwolves fans, this may have been the team's best shot at winning the championship. Advertisement Minnesota had arguably the best eight-man rotation in the NBA. Their starting five consisted of Anthony Edwards, Mike Conley, Rudy Gobert, Julius Randle, and Jaden McDaniels, and their bench players were all starting-caliber hoopers. That bench consisted of Naz Reid, Donte DiVincenzo, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker. The team is likely to get a whole lot thinner this offseason as both Reid and Alexander-Walker can and likely will become unrestricted free agents. It will be hard to re-sign either of them, let alone both. Alexander-Walker has had some big moments in these playoffs, so where are his best free-agent fits if he leaves Minnesota? 1. Hawks add more defense Alexander-Walker is one of the best point-of-attack defenders in the NBA. Surrounding Trae Young with elite defenders should still be the priority for the Atlanta Hawks, which is why the team should sign the wing in free agency. Young is an elite offensive player who has led the league in both points and assists. Advertisement He is a liability on defense due to his short stature and skinny frame, though. Dyson Daniels was in the Defensive Player of the Year conversation this year while sharing a backcourt with Young. Daniels had one of the best seasons stealing the ball ever, but even more defense would help because the Hawks still finished 20th in team defensive efficiency. Alexander-Walker is much more than just a defensive ace, too. The shooting guard/small forward shoots close to 40% from deep every season. He particularly thrives as a catch-and-shoot threat from the corner. Having another marksman for Young to kick out to would make the Hawks' offense even more dangerous. 2. Nickeil Alexander-Walker to the Pacers Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports The Indiana Pacers are so effective because everybody on their roster can shoot the basketball. Alexander-Walker would fit right in, in that regard. The Pacers are currently up 3-1 over the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals. The NBA Finals are right around the corner for the team, but despite that, they are still being overlooked by a lot of fans and media. Advertisement Some believe they are still a piece away from true contention. Regardless, by signing Alexander-Walker this offseason, the Pacers would certainly better their chances of winning. Indiana already has incredible depth, so why not add even more? Additionally, the Pacers are a pretty average defensive team, and Alexander-Walker help could get them over the hump in that regard. 3. Thunder pair cousins together The Thunder already have 15 players under contract for next season, and big paydays are coming for players such as Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams. That makes it highly unlikely that the team would give a big contract to a free agent this offseason. They already did that last offseason when they gave Isaiah Hartenstein a three-year $87 million deal. Not to mention, the Thunder still have a surplus of draft picks coming in over the coming years. Advertisement Even so, there is no denying that MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and his cousin, Alexander-Walker, share a special bond. If the cousins really wanted to play together, the Thunder could try and make it happen. The two battled in the Western Conference Finals against each other while singing each other's praises the entire time. Family ties are strong in professional sports, and while Alexander-Walker would fit exactly what the Thunder like to do, him signing to the Thunder is just too unrealistic. Oklahoma City is the favorite to win the NBA Finals this year, and Alexander-Walker signing with the team would be an example of the rich getting richer.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
3 early Minnesota Timberwolves NBA free agency targets in 2025 offseason
The post 3 early Minnesota Timberwolves NBA free agency targets in 2025 offseason appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Minnesota Timberwolves made their first NBA Western Conference Final appearance last year, a milestone the franchise had not achieved in its 34 years of existence. This time around, they managed to defeat a couple big-name teams in the West and were playing their second consecutive conference finals, but failed to cross the final hurdle in the face of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Advertisement The NBA offseason has begun for several teams, and the Timberwolves are also looking to explore options to improve their roster around the former No. 1 pick, Anthony Edwards, who has established himself as the face of the franchise by galvanizing his teammates and bringing an unmatched energy to the Timberwolves fans. However, even with Edwards running the offence, there were some shortcomings of the team as a whole, whose roster was built for the postseason, but they came up short against the Thunder, which exposed a few of the team's weaknesses. Even the Timberwolves have some of the key players in the free agency, like Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Julius Randle, and Naz Reid, both have player options except Alexander-Walker, who might be the first one to leave. Then again, after three decades of almost complete nothingness to begin the franchise's history, this is a good problem to have. 'Not quite' is far more palatable than 'nowhere near.' Timberwolves 2025 NBA free agency targets Nickeil Alexander-Walker (Timberwolves) Re-signing Alexander-Walker will be one of the top priorities for the Timberwolves, as he has become one of the key rotation players of the team in recent years. This past season was his best in Minnesota, as he averaged 9.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game, shooting 44% from the field and 38% from long range. Advertisement The only issue in re-signing Alexander-Walker will be the looming second apron. Alexander-Walker is projected to get $14-20 million on his next deal, and the Wolves might not have the cash. Chris Paul (San Antonio Spurs) Chris Paul is one of the best point guards in the NBA currently and has been one of the top names for the past few years. His ball-handling ability in the paint and the vision to make plays in traffic is something that the Timberwolves desperately need when Edwards is not on the court. Chris Paul would also complement players like Randle and Gobert if he decides to come to Minnesota. Paul averaged 8.8 points, 7.4 assists — seventh in the league — and 3.6 rebounds per game, and played in all 82 games for the Spurs. He is one of those players who are edging to the end of their careers, but Paul still has some gas left in the tank and could act as a mentor for the younger players on the team. Tyus Jones (Phoenix Suns) Phoenix Suns guard Tyus Jones is one feasible option for the Timberwolves, as he is still young and can be developed alongside Edwards. Meanwhile, he averaged 10.2 points, 5.3 assists, and 2.4 rebounds per game this season, all lower than his numbers from the year prior, but the Suns were a disaster. Advertisement Jones has good ball-handling skills and does not allow unforced turnovers easily. He signed a one-year deal with the Suns a season prior to this one and can help the Timberwolves trade lightly with the second tax apron. Who stays, who goes: Timberwolves' pending free agents The Timberwolves need to nail this offseason as they need to balance the incoming and outgoing players. Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Julius Randle, and Naz Reid, all key players, could be released before next season as the Timberwolves try to juggle financial issues. Other players like Joe Ingles, Jesse Edwards, Bones Hyland, and Tristen Newton are in free agency. The financial complications for the Timberwolves might not allow them to sign blockbuster players, and they might have to settle with players who can free up their wage bill.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Warriors Linked to Timberwolves Guard After Disappointing End to Season
Warriors Linked to Timberwolves Guard After Disappointing End to Season originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Just a few days removed from a Western Conference Finals exit in Oklahoma City, the Minnesota Timberwolves are bracing for an offseason of tough decisions. Advertisement None bigger than deciding whether to re-sign unrestricted free agent Nickeil Alexander-Walker, cousin of NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. As of Saturday, Bovada lists the Golden State Warriors as among the favorites to sign Alexander-Walker with odds of +425, behind only the Los Angeles Lakers (+235) and Brooklyn Nets (+290). While the Wolves would ideally like to keep their core intact, including Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle, it appears that Alexander-Walker's next destination could be San Francisco, especially given Minnesota's tight salary‐cap situation. With the Warriors suffering a "gentleman's sweep" at the hands of the Timberwolves in the second round of the NBA playoffs, a series in which Stephen Curry played just 13 minutes, adding a player like Alexander-Walker could be a savvy move to keep them in contention. Minnesota Timberwolves guard Nickeil Alexander-WalkerCredit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images A 2019 first‐round pick (17th overall) out of Virginia Tech, Alexander-Walker began his NBA career with the New Orleans Pelicans before stops with Utah and finally Minnesota, where he emerged as a key two‐way reserve. Advertisement He has appeared in all 82 games each of the past two seasons in Minneapolis, averaging 9.4 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.7 assists in 25.3 minutes per game in 2024-25, shooting 43.8% from the field and 38.1% from deep. In the recent playoffs, Alexander-Walker flashed his potential, most notably with a 23‐point, 6‐assist outing in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals against the Thunder. Securing Alexander-Walker would not only bolster wing depth for the Warriors but also bring a proven scorer off-the-bench, echoing the role he excelled in for Minnesota. Yet, salary‐cap constraints complicate matters. Advertisement Alexander-Walker is expected to command a near-full mid‐level exception (approximately $14.2 million per season), but the Warriors lack open mid‐level funds, meaning they'll likely have to clear significant salary to sign him. Related: Draymond Green Sends Strong Message After Big Steph Curry News Related: Anthony Edwards Announces Exciting News on Friday This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on May 31, 2025, where it first appeared.
