Minnesota Timberwolves guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker would be a perfect free agent target for the Portland Trail Blazers. The latest intel from HoopsHype's Michael Scotto suggests he could be within reach.
If NAW does hit the market, he's going to be one of the top guard options in what is expected to be an underwhelming free agency class. The market and his role as a key contributor to a successful playoff team mean he could "garner the full non-taxpayer mid-level exception or close to it in free agency," according to Scotto.
Fortunately for Portland, that's exactly the amount they have to offer.
Wolves expected to prioritize Naz Reid over Nickeil Alexander-Walker
Scotto reports that re-signing Naz Reid, who has a $15 million player option, is a top priority for Minnesota this summer. He also notes that it's not certain what Julius Randle will decide to do with his $31 million player option, but Randle has hinted towards a return to Minnesota.
If that is the case, it leaves the Timberwolves financially crunched, with roughly $136.5 million tied up in their core of Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert, Julius Randle, and Jaden McDaniels next season. That's not even accounting for whatever Reid's next deal could be.
The Timberwolves should keep their core intact, as it resulted in back-to-back Western Conference Finals appearances before 23-year-old Edwards even enters his prime. But if Randle opts in, they will likely be forced to choose between Reid and Alexander-Walker. And it sounds like they have already made their decision.
"Thus, having to pay Randle and Reid has many teams across the league with the non-taxpayer mid-level exception licking their chops to make a run at Alexander-Walker," wrote Scotto.
Blazers should use their NTMLE on Alexander-Walker
The Blazers should be one of those teams. The non-tax midlevel exception is set to be $14.1 million, which would be a significant pay raise for NAW, who made $4.3 million this past season. But he'd be worth every penny.
Between Deni Avdija, Toumani Camara, and Donovan Clingan, Portland's frontcourt is starting to take shape. Their most significant roster uncertainty lies in the backcourt, where the trio of Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, and Anfernee Simons remains an unsolved puzzle. Henderson and Sharpe still need more time to develop, but Portland should also be trying to address this issue externally this offseason.
The No. 11 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft is one way to do so, with guards like Kasparas Jakučionis or Egor Demin emerging as intriguing options. But in terms of free agency, there may be no better fit than NAW. At 26, he fits their timeline but would also give them an immediate backcourt boost for a team trying to make a playoff push next season.
The Blazers' roster is lengthy and athletic; they thrive when they get defensive stops that lead to transition opportunities. Portland has versatility overall, but not really at the guard position. Adding Alexander-Walker would help bolster that identity.
As a 6-foot-5 guard, Alexander-Walker is the complementary piece they need. He's someone who can provide length, defense, and shooting without demanding the ball or having his impact come at the expense of their young core's development.
Whether Portland will pursue Nickeil Alexander-Walker in free agency remains to be seen, but they should, especially now that he's expected to be within reach.