Nickeil Alexander-Walker Reportedly Eyed By Hawks in Sign-and-Trade with Wolves
The Atlanta Hawks reportedly are interested in adding some depth to the wing this offseason.
Per NBA insider Marc Stein, the Hawks are eyeing a sign-and-trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves for Nickeil Alexander-Walker if the Timberwolves cannot retain him after potential deals with Julius Randle and Naz Reid.
The Timberwolves could be in for an expensive offseason since Randle has a player option worth $30.9 million and Reid has a $15 million player option. Assuming both players exercise those contract options, Minnesota would be $93 million over the cap, per Spotrac.
The Hawks, meanwhile, are $30 million below the luxury tax and have the flexibility to add to the roster while potentially making things easier on the Wolves financially.
Alexander-Walker, who has played in all 82 games in each of the last two seasons, would presumably be an upgrade over Caris LeVert as Atlanta's backup to Dyson Daniels.
Alexander-Walker put up 9.4 points per game last season, shooting a solid 38.1 percent from deep. He's also gained significant postseason experience over the past two years, helping the Timberwolves reach the Western Conference Finals in consecutive years.
Stein noted in May that Alexander-Walker could be seeking a contract in the range of the $14.1 million mid-level exception. The Timberwolves likely won't be able to grant him the contract he desires, but Atlanta could do so comfortably.
But the Hawks might not be the only team with a mid-level exception vying to add Alexander-Walker this offseason. HoopsHype's Michael Scotto reported earlier this month that the Orlando Magic tried to land Alexander-Walker at the trade deadline and will once again be interested in him this summer.
With several teams interested in him and the Timberwolves most likely unable to keep him on the roster, Minnesota could end up getting a handful of enticing sign-and-trade offers, unless, of course, Alexander-Walker chooses to sign elsewhere on his own.
