President Tim Connelly is running back largely the same roster, but someone will need to absorb the minutes for departed role player Nickeil Alexander-Walker. It appears as though Terrence Shannon Jr. will get the first crack, and he could emerge as a significant talent.

Terrence Shannon Jr. in for serious MN Timberwolves minutes

It was always assumed that last season would be the final for Nickeil Alexander-Walker in a Minnesota Timberwolves jersey. He earned a payday and will now assume a bigger role with the Atlanta Hawks. That presented opportunity in Chris Finch’s rotation and the Star Tribune’s Chris Hine sees Terrence Shannon Jr. taking hold of it.

The exit of Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and his 25.3 minutes per game, to the Atlanta Hawks this offseason meant a larger slice of the minutes pie was now available to younger players like Terrence Shannon Jr., Rob Dillingham and Jaylen Clark. Coach Chris Finch has also discussed the need to expand his rotation to nine or 10 players on a given night.

To hear Finch discuss it after Tuesday’s practice, it sounds as if Shannon has latched onto that eighth spot in the rotation thanks to his postseason performance and how he has attacked the preseason.

“I think he solidified that eighth spot last year in the playoffs,” Finch said Tuesday. “… Those last spots are always going to be situational. We’ve seen what Jaylen can do on a nightly basis, too. But between those guys, Joan [Beringer] and Rob, it’ll all be situational. And of course, injuries are going to help determine some of that.”

More than any Wolves player, Shannon is wired to play in transition on offense. This is a stylistic shift the Wolves are trying to make — to go from one of the slowest-paced teams in the NBA to middle of the pack, at the least.

“That’s where I’m at my best, in transition,” Shannon said. “In an open gym, everybody loads up or tries when I get the ball. So I’ve been just working on different parts of my game, learning other ways to score, but that’s something I look to do, get the ball up, get stops and push it in transition.”

Star Tribune

Minnesota needs someone to step into the backup point guard role, but it’s Shannon that has positioned himself to see some serious minutes off the bench. As Finch notes, he made the leap initially during the playoffs, and that experience can only help as the regular season begins.

Last season Shannon played in 32 games for the Timberwolves and drew one start. In 10.6 minutes per game, he averaged 4.3 points. Those totals should rise dramatically this season, and Finch noted that he could run the point in certain situations.

While the game hasn’t exactly slowed down enough to where fellow first round pick Rob Dillingham can succeed, it is Shannon that continues to impress. If Minnesota is going to take the next step this season, they’ll need both to show they can compete, but Shannon may flash even more than that.

Minnesota Timberwolves send NAW to Atlanta for payday

On Monday, the Wolves started the day by re-upping for one more year of player/unofficial bench coach, Joe Ingles. Then, later in the evening, it news broke that the Timberwolves had traded Nickeil Alexander-Walker to the Atlanta Hawks in a sign and trade that netted them a 2nd round pick and a future trade exception.

Atlanta is sending a 2027 second-round pick via Cleveland and cash to Minnesota to acquire Nickeil Alexander-Walker via sign-and-trade for four years and $62 million, sources said. https://t.co/ej11s9qfM4

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2025

Nickeil Alexander-Walker played the 2024-25 season on one of the most team-friendly contracts in the NBA. In his second full season with the Minnesota Timberwolves NAW became a rotation fixture and one of the most under-the-radar stars in the game. Now he gets his payday.

For some time, it’s been assumed that he would sign elsewhere this offseason, given Minnesota’s current financial situation. His market was going to be robust, so the Timberwolves took advantage by trading him before he hit the open market.

Timberwolves hamstrung by 2nd Apron

From here, president of basketball operations Tim Connelly is expected to sit back for the majority of the offseason. The Minnesota Timberwolves 2025-26 salary number now sits at $204.3 million, according to Spotrac.

That leaves them just $3.5 million short of the 2nd apron luxury tax threshold, of $207.8 million. The Wolves must stay below that number or face massive penalties, both financial and from a roster-building standpoint.

Minnesota offseason

* T'wolves slightly below the 2nd apron

* Not allowed to use the $5.7M tax ML

* Can re-sign their own free agents pic.twitter.com/oNbAgWxQNb

— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) June 29, 2025

The Timberwolves orchestrated a sign-and-trade with Alexander-Walker to facilitate his new deal with Atlanta. They did pick up a second round pick and some cash in the swap.

The four-year $62 million payday was substantially more than Minnesota would have been able to offer him. Last season NAW made $4.3 million in the second year of a two-year $9 million extension he signed with the Timberwolves.

NAW played all 82 games for Minnesota this season. It was the second-straight year he had accomplished that feat. He also made 10 starts for Chris Finch. In 2024-25 NAW averaged 9.4 points per game on 43.8% shooting.

He now heads to an Atlanta team with Trae Young at the helm. It should be expected that Alexander-Walker will be given a bit more freedom in the rotation even after averaging 25.3 minutes per game with the Minnesota Timberwolves this past year.

More former Wolves find new homes

It wasn’t just NAW that was on the move Monday night. Monday night’s pre-free agency frenzy saw multiple former Minnesota Timberwolves sign on the dotted line with other teams around the league.

It didn’t take long for Luka Garza to find a new home, after the Wolves declined his player option for the upcoming season. Last night, the former Iowa Hawkeye superstar agreed to terms with the Boston Celtics on a two-year deal worth $5.5 million guaranteed.

Free agent center Luka Garza has agreed to a two-year, $5.5 million fully guaranteed deal with the Boston Celtics, sources tell ESPN. The Celtics negotiated the new deal with Garza's representatives Mark Bartelstein and Kieran Piller of @PrioritySports tonight. pic.twitter.com/d5x5HzGYIL

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2025

It has been a while since Tyus Jones played for the Timberwolves. However, the “one of us” guard could have potentially been an option to fill the playmaker role Minnesota needs this summer. In theory, a reunion made sense.

Unfortunately, that won’t happen. Instead, he will join another fellow Twin Cities native, Jalen Suggs, in Orlando, after he and the Magic agreed to terms on a new deal. Speaking of “keeping up with the Jones'”, Tyus’ little brother Tre Jones is staying in Chicago, after he signed a three-year contract for $24 million.

Free agent guard Tyus Jones has agreed to a one-year, $7 million deal with the Orlando Magic, sources tell ESPN. Magic officials negotiated the deal with Jones' agent Kevin Bradbury of LIFT Sports Management, which gives Jones a key role for the East contenders. pic.twitter.com/oR6gTHDyPK

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2025

Russell will have a player option in the second season of his two-year, $13M deal with the Mavericks, sources said. https://t.co/HGfKaEnMoW

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2025

Related: Minnesota Timberwolves Bring Back Veteran Free Agent

The memories of D’Angelo Russell, around these parts, aren’t all that positive. Since being traded away, the former Minnesota Timberwolves point guard has bounced around between Los Angeles and Brooklyn.

Now, he is joining the Dallas Mavericks, where he’ll team up with Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis and top pick Cooper Flagg on what appears to be an immediate title contender a future title contender

After the Wolves pulled two international 18-year-old big men out of the 2025 draft heap, Connelly turned his attention to Minnesota’s own crop of pending offseason departures, specifically Naz Reid (player option), Julius Randle (player option) and Nickeil Alexander-Walker (UFA).

On Friday evening, Tim settled Reid’s uncertainty with a new 5 year, $125 million contract that has received rather widespread criticism nationally, as an overpay. Locally, it was pretty well-known that Naz Reid was going to be paid as a starter, in the neighborhood of $25-30 million per year.

Minnesota Timberwolves sign Julius Randle to contract extension

Still, I expect the news reported by Shams Charania (ESPN) early Sunday afternoon will likely wrap national pundits up in even more confusion. Not only is Naz Reid coming back, but so is Julius Randle… on a fresh 3-year, $100 million deal ($33.3 million/year) that includes a player option in its final season (2027-28).

BREAKING: Three-time NBA All-Star Julius Randle intends to sign a new three-year, $100 million deal to stay with the Minnesota Timberwolves, sources tell ESPN. The deal includes a player option for the 2027-28 season. pic.twitter.com/j8fKA45gXu

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 29, 2025

Last season, his first in a Timberwolves uniform, Julius Randle averaged 18.7 points, 7.1 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game. He struggled a bit to find his fit during the first half of the season. Then, a midseason injury sidelined the 30-year-old former Kentucky Wildcat for all of February.

It was then, according to Randle, where he was able to observe his new team, from the outside-looking-in. That perspective allowed him to unlock his fit. From there, his numbers bumped up and the wins rolled in. Minnesota went into February (Randle’s month off) with a 27-21 record and questions all over the fit of its roster, especially Randle.

Julius Randle paid by Timberwolves after incredible finish to season

But after Julius’ return on March 3, he slid in like the perfect puzzle piece. And from that date on, the Timberwolves went 17-4 to finish the regular season, jumping a half-dozen teams to claim the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference playoff bracket, just outside of the play-in tournament.

In the playoffs, Randle was one of the most reliable Wolves on the floor during their first two series. He averaged 23.9 points, 5.9 rebounds and 5.9 assists in Minnesota’s 10 combined postseason games against the Lakers and Warriors. Unfortunately, he too fell off vs OKC (17.4 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 3.0 APG).

Julius Randle in the 2025 postseason:

🐺 22.4 points per game
🐺 6.4 assists per game
🐺 triple-double in G3 last Saturday

The @Timberwolves have a record of 23-6 since Randle returned from injury in March 💪 pic.twitter.com/y3KR7ssq40

— NBA (@NBA) May 12, 2025

Related: Rudy Gobert Finally Says No to International Play

After the Wolves failed to reel in Durant, local reports have pointed to running it back with mostly the same roster. This does not mean Julius Randle will be a member of the Minnesota Timberwolves for the next three seasons. In fact, don’t be shocked if he doesn’t last until the trade deadline.

Don’t worry, there is a method to Tim Connelly’s madness

Most likely, the Wolves will start the 2025-26 season with a roster very similar to last year’s. But if a move needs to be made before the playoff run, or next offseason (etc), we all know Tim Connelly won’t hesitate.

Sure, getting rid of Randle would now have to come via trade, but his status in Minnesota remains year-to-year, even month to month. The same thing can be said for everyone else on the Wolves’ roster, not named Anthony Edwards.

Thus, his new deal should not come as a huge surprise. But then again, Reid’s shouldn’t have either. We are getting the flurry of announcements now, because NBA free agency begins on July 1, so this weekend is the deadline for 2025-26 player options to be decided on.

After Randle’s new contract, local beat reporters have confirmed that Nickeil Alexander-Walker will be the odd-Wolf out. With the Reid + Randle extensions hitting the books, there is no room remaining under the second apron for a player as valuable as NAW.

This deal does mean that NAW will be headed elsewhere. Wolves have people behind him ready for a shot and they’re going to get it

— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) June 29, 2025

What this does move does is give both the Timberwolves and Julius Randle more control of over their future. With Reid, Randle, Gobert, Ant and Jaden under long term contracts, this organization is stacked with talent of all ages that other teams would happily pay for, if Tim Connelly needs to move someone.

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).

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.

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.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker driving floater off the catch, created by Julius Randle + Jaden McDaniels + Rudy Gobert pic.twitter.com/QQGMWFgwXf

— Timberwolves Clips (@WolvesClips) May 25, 2025

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.

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.

It’s literally win or go home. And if they can’t find a victory in OKC, it would be the second-straight playoffs that the Wolves have been eliminated in five games of the Western Conference Finals.

Whether it ends tonight or after hoisting the Larry O’Brien Trophy in June, once the Timberwolves actually turn the page on the 2024-25 season, they have some serious decisions to make. A new ownership group is taking over and president of basketball operations Tim Connelly’s future remains up in the air.

Minnesota Timberwolves have multiple top free agents

And that’s before we get to next year’s roster construction. Once the offseason hits, Nickeil Alexander-Walker will be an unrestricted free agent. Beyond NAW, Julius Randle has a player option to become an unrestricted free agent, as does Naz Reid.

Earlier in the week local insider Darren “Doogie” Wolfson opined exactly how he expects the Minnesota Timberwolves to handle the offseason. The main trio to make decisions on include Randle, Reid, and Alexander-Walker.

On Wednesday, ESPN’s Kevin Pelton put out a ranking of the top 25 NBA free agents this offseason. All three aforementioned Wolves players made the cut.

4. Julius Randle – PF

Randle was acquired in the Karl-Anthony Towns trade just before the regular season kicked off. It took him some time to find his footing with Minnesota, but he gelled down the stretch. Playoff performance hasn’t been notable for him, and he currently possesses a player option for next year.

“After some early growing pains, Randle’s strong close to the regular season and his monster first two playoff rounds were key to the Timberwolves returning to the Western Conference finals. Wrapping up an extension he signed with the New York Knicks in 2021, Randle has a $29.5 million player option that he has outperformed. Minnesota and Randle have multiple options for how to handle it. He could decline the option and sign a long-term deal in free agency or exercise it in conjunction with another extension.”

Kevin Pelton – ESPN

How the Minnesota Timberwolves handle Randle should be fascinating. His market may have depreciated with the playoff performance, but he could still be a trade asset. His $29.5 million player option isn’t a huge deterrent as an expiring contract. There’s a chance he opts in and still Minnesota flips him elsewhere to address other needs.

17. Naz Reid – F/C

Part of the reason that Minnesota needed to move Towns was in order to free up funds for Reid. He’s going to command a sizable contract after opting out of his current deal. It would seem unlikely that he actually hits the open market, but if he does, you can bet that suitors will line up for the former Sixth Man of the Year.

“A year removed from being named Sixth Man of the Year, Reid actually averaged more points, rebounds and assists this season, albeit on slightly weaker efficiency. Reid has had a major impact as a third big man, but he probably would be stretched defensively as a starter. That and the lack of cap space should help the Timberwolves navigate Reid’s $15 million player option. The sides could agree to exercise the option then build a long-term extension off it to keep the fan favorite in Minnesota.”

Kevin Pelton – ESPN

There is arguably no player more liked by Timberwolves fans than Reid. He is a cult hero turned key-contributor. It’s now going to cost Minnesota a sizable chunk of change to retain him, but it makes sense to do so. He can stretch the floor and also has the ability to play inside. Reid earned his payday, and the Timberwolves will likely be willing to sign up for it.

21. Nickeil Alexander-Walker G

You didn’t need the series against Oklahoma City to see that Nickeil Alexander-Walker was going to get paid. He has stood out alongside his Free Throw Merchant cousin. A rotational spot is something he has developed into with the Timberwolves, but it’s clear the ceiling is much higher.

“A screaming value on a two-year, $9 million deal signed as a restricted free agent two years ago, Alexander-Walker is in line for a big raise. He averaged a career-high 25.3 MPG as the Timberwolves’ third guard, defending lead ball handlers and shooting 38% from 3-point range. Alexander-Walker isn’t quite good enough as a distributor to serve as a full-time point guard, and he has slumped beyond the arc in the playoffs, but he should more than double his previous salary.”

Kevin Pelton – ESPN

This is one of those situations where a player simply outgrows their role. Alexander-Walker might not be entirely worth the new contract he’ll get, but he’s earned every bit of that opportunity. The Minnesota Timberwolves aren’t going to foot the bill, but they’ll look to develop another version of him for next season.

Related: Local Insider Scoops Timberwolves Plan for Multiple Key Contributors This Offseason

It seems likely that the Timberwolves have a chance to keep two of their three key free agents. They may deal Randle, but that would be something done on their own choosing. No matter what, they have some serious talent eyeing the open market.

Initially, we all pointed to how the last-minute blockbuster trade lighten the Wolves’ financial books, especially into the future. But we’ve found out this postseason that, outside of a couple Julius Randle playoff duds — including an ugly 5 point, 7 rebound performance in game four — the move had positive basketball implications too.

Looking ahead to the 2025 NBA offseason, assuming the Minnesota Timberwolves do drop one of their next three (possible) West Finals games vs OKC, this Wolves team has a lot of unknowns, many of which have far-reaching implications for how their 2025-26 roster will look.

Local Insider weighs in on Minnesota Timberwolves roster decisions (goodbye NAW)

KSTP’s Darren “Doogie” Wolfson joined SKOR North’s Mackey & Judd Show Tuesday, for an early-week scoops session. They talked mostly Vikings and Timberwolves.

During the Wolves conversation, Phil Mackey, Judd Zulgad and Doogie looked toward the future, specifically lending insight into Minnesota’s offseason plans for Julius Randle (player option), Nickeil Alexander-Walker (UFA) and Naz Reid (player option), all of which hold their own 2025-26 destiny.

According to Wolfson’s report, the expectation for now, is that the Wolves bring back both big men, in Randle and Reid. Meanwhile, the longtime local insider is quite confident that Nickeil Alexander-Walker’s time in Minneapolis is over. It sounds keeping NAW would be too much of a strain on their future luxury tax situation.

“I am going to miss Nickeil Alexander-Walker. I’ve been saying for months, last night was a reminder. The way he articulates thoughts too. I love speaking with Nickeil Alexander-Walker. He was so good last night. He has earned a four-year, full mid-level this summer. To me it’s going to happen elsewhere. I am going to miss NAW a ton.”

Darren Wolfson – Skor North

It’s important to note that, because all of the players mentioned above were either drafted to Minnesota or traded for, the Timberwolves own their “Bird Rights”. All that means, to break it down in simple terms for the purpose of this article, that Tim Connelly & Co. are legally allowed to exceed the NBA’s soft salary cap, in order to keep them.

Of course, do so at your own risk. New owners Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez will find that out the hard way in the coming weeks, when their $100 million 2024-25 luxury tax bill — which ranks second-most in the NBA this season — comes due. Just because something is legal, doesn’t mean it’s the right thing to do.

Wolves hoping/planning to keep Julius Randle and Naz Reid around?

The reality for Julius Randle is not the same as Naz Reid, who the Minnesota Timberwolves plan to pay handsomely this offseason, after he uses his player option to become an unrestricted free agent. If Reid wanted to leave, he would have plenty of suitors waiting for him. Fortunately, it doesn’t appear he is interested in that.

Randle — whose player option checks in at north of $29 million, should he choose to opt-in — does not wet the whistle of other NBA teams across the league, according to Wolfson. Julius likes it here, and Chris Finch likes him.

Related: Is Chris Finch Holding Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves Back?

Thus, from what Doogie is hearing behind the scenes, the MN Timberwolves are probably the best situation for the 2014 No. 7 overall pick out of Kentucky. Given how much the two sides have taken to one-another, Julius will probably return, knowing the 2024-25 grass is unlikely to be greener, should he opt-out and test free agency. From there, do the Wolves look to trade him…?

“On Naz, on Julius. I still think Naz is here. They know they need to pay him north of $30 million a year. I see Naz re-signing with the Wolves — exercising the player option, so opting out, hitting the open market, then the Wolves re-sign Naz Reid.”

On Julius Randle, he has the player option. [The Nets] have cap space this summer, the Pistons have some and a pathway to create more. The Pistons, I think, like Naz Reid. I’m not sure the Pistons are big Julius Randle fans. I just haven’t heard Brooklyn Nets + Julius Randle steam.

So, would it make more sense for Julius to opt-in, exercise the player option, be back with the Wolves in a contract year, then re-evaluate his situation summer of 2026? Then if Julius is on an expiring contract, if you’re Tim Connelly, what does that trade market look like?

The Wolves still need another [guard] who can create off the dribble. Some of the qualities that Rob Dillingham has, minus the turnovers…but I still think the Wolves need somebody like that more immediately, next season. Does Julius help you acquire whoever that is [along with draft picks]?”

Darren Wolfson – Skor North

Of everything discussed during today’s scoop session,the best news is that the Minnesota Timberwolves expect Naz Reid to return. The 2024 Sixth Man of the Year award has proven himself as a crucial piece to this organization’s bright future last season, dropping 14.2 points per game off the bench again this season.

Soon enough, it will be his time to take over for Julius Randle in the starting rotation. Will that be next season, or the year after? We don’t know. But if Wolfson is right, then it’s possible we could see both back for at least one more chance to run it back with mostly the same roster as they have now.

Additionally, the acquisition of Julius Randle has not been as impactful as they’d hoped. That’s partly because he’s been out for the past month with a groin injury. Their other offseason acquisition, Donte DiVincenzo, has also been out since Jan. 15 with turf toe.

However, this season has shown the Minnesota Timberwolves the value of their younger players. Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Jaylen Clark and Naz Reid have all flashed signs of stardom in the wake of injuries to the starting lineup. In particular, Reid has improved upon his Sixth Man of the Year numbers from last season. He’s averaging 14.7 points and 5.8 rebounds on 40% shooting from three, but the Wolves may be in danger of losing him.

Cap strategists predict Naz Reid will test free agency

According to “The Stein Line’s” Jake Fischer, rival teams’ cap strategists think it’s in Randle’s best interest to pick up his player option for next season. He’s battled injuries both this season and last, and has also seen his production falter since joining the Minnesota Timberwolves. His 18.9 points per game are his fewest since 2017-18 when he was with the Lakers.

This leads Fischer to believe that teams won’t match Randle’s $30.9 million option in free agency, and he will re-sign in MN. If that’s the case, it leaves the cap-strapped Wolves with nearly no room to negotiate a contract for Naz Reid. He has a player option for next season, but Fischer says he’s in search of a more lucrative, long-term deal.

You can’t move Naz Reid back to the bench when the starting lineup is healthy

As a starter (10 games): 20.1 PPG (46.6 FG%, 35.4 3P%), 8.9 REB, 3.3 AST, 1.7 BLK, 0.6 STL
pic.twitter.com/cxFS5oNwRn

— Timberwolves Talk (@LetsTalk_Wolves) February 24, 2025

Thus, the strategists consider it likely that Reid will turn down his $15 million option for next season. This would be bad news for the Minnesota Timberwolves, as Reid has filled the role that had been missing after trading KAT. Since being put into the starting lineup, Reid is averaging 20.1 points and 8.9 rebounds a game. His ability to play inside and on the perimeter as a big man is necessary in today’s NBA.

Related: Timberwolves Await Return of Julius Randle, Rudy Gobert Injury Concerning…

Still, it’s not a foregone conclusion that Reid will leave. As Fischer reports, teams that were previously interested in him (such as the Cavaliers and Mavericks) have since signed other guys to their front-courts. Now, they may not want to take Reid on such a big contract. Re-signing Reid is a priority for the Wolves, so the expectation is that they will consider continuing their relationship beyond this season.

Minnesota Timberwolves may lose another key role player

While Reid has an option to mull over this offseason, Nickeil Alexander-Walker will be an unrestricted free agent. The lockdown defender will be 27 next year, and league executives believe he may garner a $20 million per year contract. This would price him out of the Wolves if they hope to keep both him and Reid beyond this season. The Wolves are already paying substantial money to Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels.

Alexander-Walker has become an integral piece since being traded to Minnesota in 2022. He helped the Wolves make the Western Conference Finals last season with his stellar 3-and-D play. This year, he’s provided much of the same, improving on last year’s scoring numbers to average 9.1 points on 40% shooting from three.

NICKEIL ALEXANDER-WALKER THE MAN THAT YOU ARE. pic.twitter.com/tNNT9OcixT

— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) February 24, 2025

He offers a similar skillset to McDaniels (with better efficiency), so the Wolves have loved bringing him off the bench to backup the younger guard. Losing Nickeil Alexander-Walker would hurt the Wolves tremendously, as his growth has been a welcome surprise to the team.

Related: Report: Kevin Garnett to Join Timberwolves Immediately Upon Ownership Change

However, the emergence of Jaylen Clark has provided a glimmer of hope for the Minnesota Timberwolves in a post-NAW world. In just 16 games, including two as a starter, Clark is averaging 5.1 points on 46% shooting. He’s also averaging a steal per game to go along with it. He fell hard last night against the Thunder and had to exit the game, but concussion tests came back negative. Notably, he had 14 points and four steals before leaving.

But as our 23-year-old superstar evolves into the prime of his career, so do his paychecks. That’s why KAT was traded to New York in the first place. Both Glen Taylor and Marc Lore – either of which could be the team’s owner by season’s-end – once talked big about writing insane luxury tax checks to keep KAT and Ant together.

Minnesota Timberwolves receiving lots of trade calls on Nickeil Alexander-Walker

Looking back, it’s clear neither was going to pay that insane bill. In fact, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Minnesota Timberwolves president of basketball operations, Tim Connelly, try to shed more luxury tax penalties, prior to the February 6 NBA trade deadline. That’s why his phone is still ringing with trade offers for key players like Nickeil Alexander-Walker.

Teams have been calling the Timberwolves about Nickeil Alexander-Walker ahead of the trade deadline, per source.

Minnesota currently has zero interest in moving Alexander-Walker, an upcoming unrestricted free agent, but executives know about Minnesota’s looming financial crunch. pic.twitter.com/fCbru1SA5O

— Evan Sidery (@esidery) January 17, 2025

Teams have been calling the Timberwolves about Nickeil Alexander-Walker ahead of the trade deadline, per source. Minnesota currently has zero interest in moving Alexander-Walker, an upcoming unrestricted free agent, but executives know about Minnesota’s looming financial crunch.

Forbes NBA Insider Evan Sidery – Tweet above

Nickeil Alexander-Walker has been a crucial rotation piece for the Minnesota Timberwolves since he arrived via trade from Utah at the 2022-23 NBA trade deadline. This season the 26-year-old out of Virginia Tech is averaging 8.6 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.4 points on 22.9 minutes per game.

Not only is NAW arguably the Wolves’ best wing defender, but at 42% from deep, he might be their best 3-point shooter (behind Ant). Losing a versatile winning piece like Nickeil off the bench would be devastating to everything the Timberwolves do on both ends of the floor.

Watch Nickeil Alexander-Walker on this possession. He literally just checked in for the first time all game. Insane defender. pic.twitter.com/Wc6SNxoQSc

— Jake Paynting (@HowlsAndGrowls_) February 28, 2024

Why are Timberwolves taking calls to sell at NBA trade deadline?

And let’s be real…the Minnesota Timberwolves shouldn’t be trying to sell key pieces to their roster, right now. They are three games over .500, and they have one of the best players on the planet leading their team. Unfortunately, that’s their lot in life, as a second-apron luxury tax team.

Related: Anthony Edwards Rips Timberwolves Starters; Reveals Two Recurring Flaws

That’s why Connelly will continue to take calls on all Wolves’ talent that isn’t named Anthony Edwards. Alexander-Walker makes a lot of sense because he is due to become an unrestricted free agent after this season.

Technically, the Timberwolves could re-sign NAW. There is no salary cap rule stopping them. But Nickeil makes only $4.3 million this season. His next contract is going to be three to five times that, meaning the luxury tax penalties would be steep. A sixth-man, legitimate three-and-D wing makes a ton of money in today’s NBA.

"TWO WORDS. BLOCK PARTY.

ALEXANDER-WALKER. CASH."

Inject it into my veins pic.twitter.com/fB6vNCcpff

— Wolves Lead (@TWolvesLead) December 7, 2024

So you can see why other teams are calling on a pending UFA like NAW. The Minnesota Timberwolves are likely going to lose him for nothing at the end of the season. Other front offices know that so they are trying to swoop in early. Will Connelly get an offer on NAW or another key rotation piece that he just can’t refuse? We’ll see.

Other rotation players that make sense for teams to call on

There are multiple trade candidates on the Timberwolves’ roster who could help ease luxury tax penalties if moved. Donte DiVincenzo has struggled since the Wolves traded for him before the start of the season. He’s making $11.5 million.

Joe Ingles doesn’t play at all and he is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. He and his $2.2 million salary is probably as good as gone. Then, there is Julius Randle ($33 million) and Naz Reid ($14 million). Both big men have player options for 2025-26.

Rumor: Julius Randle Disgruntled After Timberwolves Cut His Minutes

Other teams would love to get their hands on Naz and the Minnesota Timberwolves would love to deal Randle. Neither is expected to happen until the offseason at the earliest. But Tim Connelly likes to move in silence, so a surprise move is never out of the question.

Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle make the big bucks while they are supposed to be the stars carrying a team. The Timberwolves have role players that are capable of elevating beyond their pay to contribute as well.

Timberwolves have a value contributor

Every year fans consider what the top of their roster looks like. LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh orchestrated the modern day big three. Those situations are ideal, but it’s the complimentary pieces that help bring home championships.

ESPN Senior Writer Tim Bontempts put together a 15-man all contract team and the Minnesota Timberwolves landed Nickeil Alexander-Walker on it.

“While his cousin in Oklahoma City (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander) gets far more attention, Nickeil Alexander-Walker has turned himself into a rotational NBA player over the past couple of seasons in Minnesota, carving out a spot as a true 3-and-D wing player. His free agency this summer will be interesting to watch, as he will be an unrestricted free agent and Minnesota already has an extremely expensive team. With how he’s played the past couple of years, Alexander-Walker seems very likely to get a sizable raise this coming offseason — and with it, a likely change in scenery.”

Nickeil Alexander-Walker lands on the NBA All-Contract team (ESPN)

Part of the idea in trading Towns was an effort to make room for both Alexander-Walker and Naz Reid. The 26-year-old joined the NBA as the 17th overall pick in the 2019 draft. Although his point totals aren’t as high as they were earlier in his career, the impact has been more significant.

Ant's celly after this Nickeil Alexander-Walker three 😅🤣 pic.twitter.com/xjtQmsO3Jl

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 28, 2024

This season with Minnesota, NAW has averaged 8.8 points per game on 47.3% shooting. He has hit a career-best 41.3% of his three-point shots, and is a lockdown defender.

Related: Minnesota Timberwolves Top Pick Begins Rehab Assignment

It certainly would behoove the Timberwolves to find a way for him to stay on the roster next season. Both NAW and Reid will be in line for raises. It remains to be seen if Connelly can get them all done while working through the cap ramifications.

For the first two games of the series it was Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Jaden McDaniels frustrating the Denver Nuggets. MVP Nikola Jokic was running ragged and guard Jamal Murray was flustered to the point of tossing a heating pad onto the court. As the deficit mounted on Friday night, the talented Timberwolves guard exploded in an uncharacteristic way.

Alexander-Walker Gets Crushed

Switching onto Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Nickeil Alexander-Walker looked to fight around a screen set by Nikola Jokic and instead got into a collision that left him down on the court. Not able to compete through the rest of the play, Alexander-Walker was left frustrated while looking to be his lockdown defensive self.

Following the play, Alexander-Walker immediately talked with the official in an attempt to gain clarity on the situation. Discussing it in the heat of the moment let emotions boil over and he was handed a technical foul. Postgame he explained his thoughts,

“I was more just upset because I’m fighting my ass off. I’m not one that’s going to flop and fake. For me, I was just trying to fight through screens. I felt like because I’m into my guy, last minute he’s trying to slide over to get a clean hit. I feel like my initial routes are to avoid the screen, every time I keep getting clipped trying to get around. I had hurt my shoulder a few possessions before that.

I tried to fight it off. Then again it happened. I’m not trying to get injured. So now at a certain point, I know Jokic is by no mean a dangerous player, I’m just trying to talk to the refs, like can you please look out for it. I just got heated in the moment, getting hurt, trying to play hard. Should’ve had a better conversation.”

Nickeil Alexander-Walker explains his technical foul in game 3 vs Nuggets (quote via Dane Moore)

Nickeil Alexander-Walker on the play that he got upset with the refs and got a tech:

"I was more just upset because I’m fighting my ass off. I’m not one that’s going to flop and fake. For me, I was just trying to fight through screens. I felt like because I’m into my guy, last… pic.twitter.com/DgL9zBq5V4

— Dane Moore (@DaneMooreNBA) May 11, 2024

Related: Kevin Garnett Prophesized Timberwolves Gm 3 Loss, Soft Refs Included

Defense Can’t Slump for Alexander-Walker

For the first two games of the series Minnesota was able to impose their will on the Denver Nuggets. With Karl Anthony Towns locking down Jokic, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker teaming up with Jaden McDaniels on the perimeter, there wasn’t much room for the opposition to operate.

That couldn’t have been less true in Game 3, and is something they’ll need to adjust for in Game 4.

Dropping just one game, and unlikely to sweep the defending champions, Minnesota was always going to need to be in a position to rebound.

Now with a chance to again operate at their normal defensive level, Sunday’s action has to be highlighted again by a collected Nickeil Alexander-Walker. Here’s to hoping he’s back to full health and ready to go.