Nickeil Alexander-Walker Reportedly Linked to Magic as Potential Landing Spot in FA
The Orlando Magic is seen as "a team to watch" as Minnesota Timberwolves guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker prepares to hit free agency, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.
Alexander-Walker could be seeking a contract in the range of the $14.1 million mid-level exception following the expiration of his two-year, $9 million deal.
The Wolves' upcoming cap crunch could mean the team will be unable to provide the raise he may have earned from his strong performance in the Western Conference finals.
Prior to the postseason, Alexander-Walker averaged 9.4 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.7 assists through 82 games and 10 starts while shooting 43.8 percent from the field and 38.1 percent from deep in 2024-25.
The Timberwolves are currently projected to have the seventh-largest 2025-26 payroll in the league next season, per Spotrac.
As pointed out by the Minnesota Star-Tribune's Chris Hine, the Wolves' trade of Karl-Anthony Towns and extension for Rudy Gobert were cap-controlling moves that signaled the team may prioritize staying below the second apron next season.
With player options looming for both Julius Randle and Naz Reid, the Wolves may not have the space left to re-sign Alexander-Walker as a first-apron team.
That could open the door for the Magic should the team decide to target defense this season. Orlando currently projected to exceed the luxury tax and come just short of the second apron, per ESPN's Bobby Marks, but could create space via option decisions for players like Moritz Wagner and Gary Harris.
The Magic finished the 2024-25 season ranked 30th in the NBA with 31.8 percent shooting from deep, a full 1.7 percent worse than the Washington Wizards at 29th. Should a move for Alexander-Walker not work out, Orlando could alternatively prioritize adding a reliable three-point shooter this summer.
