Nickeil Alexander-Walker’s future with Timberwolves uncertain

Jun 28, 2025 4:00 PM

The Minnesota Timberwolves have begun solidifying their core this offseason by re-signing Naz Reid to a new five-year, $125 million deal.

Reid, the reigning 2024 Sixth Man of the Year, declined his $15 million player option for the 2025-26 season in favor of the longer-term commitment.

Meanwhile, Nickeil Alexander-Walker remains in contract limbo, as his rising value could make him difficult to retain under the team’s salary cap structure.

The Wolves are also working to retain Julius Randle, another key free agent, but re-signing both him and Reid may leave limited flexibility to match a potentially significant offer for Alexander-Walker.

“The Timberwolves have taken some steps to keep their team very competitive,” said ESPN’s Brian Windhorst on First Take Friday. “They are going to have some big moves in the next few days. They have three key free agents: Julius Randle—who I expect them to get re-signed. Naz Reid, who was last year’s Sixth Man of the Year and plays a very important role for them… I think they’ve prioritized re-signing him.”

Windhorst also noted that Minnesota may struggle to retain all three:

“I’m not so sure about Nickeil Alexander-Walker. I’m sure there are methods that they have to try to keep the three of them, but one of the reasons they went out last year and got a couple of first-round picks was to try to replace Nickeil Alexander-Walker.”

Nickeil Alexander-Walker, represented by Aaron Mintz, has become a reliable two-way guard for the Timberwolves. In the 2024–25 season, he averaged 9.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists, shooting 38.1% from three-point range.

That efficiency has made him more than a rotational piece – he’s now seen as a valuable contributor on a contending team.

Originally acquired in a trade from New Orleans to Utah, and eventually to Minnesota, Alexander-Walker was re-signed in 2023 on a two-year, $9 million deal.

This summer, he could command a contract starting at or above the $14 million midlevel exception, pricing him beyond what the Wolves may be able to afford given luxury tax concerns and their current roster commitments.

The Timberwolves’ strategy appears focused on locking in their top priorities, Naz Reid is already secured, and Julius Randle may be next, while staying flexible regarding other pieces.

Unless a creative cap solution emerges, Alexander-Walker could be the odd man out.