Nickeil Alexander-Walker was featured heavily throughout our content leading up to the Timberwolves. Now, as he enters his prime years, he’s due a major payday. So, in this summer, you would expect Alexander-Walker to demand a contract in the ballpark of $60 million over four years. He’s looking to build on this momentum, both to extend his incredible success on-court to the off-court as well. He’s shot at least 39% from deep the last two seasons. This year, he’s shooting over 42%. Coupled with his elite defensive prowess, this makes him the best bang for the Timberwolves’ buck.
As a cousin of Oklahoma City Thunder guard and MVP favorite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Alexander-Walker has demonstrated his potential to become a leading player in the league. The Timberwolves, who have paid only $1.5 million in luxury tax over the past 21 years, potentially hold three of the most sought-after unrestricted free agents: Alexander-Walker, center Naz Reid, and forward Julius Randle.
“I’ve prepared my clients for a free agent recession this summer. Next year will be different, the cap will be going up and teams will clean up their books as they deal with the new spending rules. So you may have to wait and try again.” – a prominent agent
With the NBA’s financial landscape set to change dramatically, that will have a major impact on how free agency plays out. The Brooklyn Nets are projected to have $45 million to $60 million in cap space. Concurrently, the Los Angeles Clippers are carefully insulating their 2026 cap space, with the knowledge that they’ll have different spending priorities.
The Milwaukee Bucks face an even bigger test. They’ve already spent more than $155 million on six players, assuming that Bobby Portis, Pat Connaughton and Kevin Porter Jr. opt into their player options next season. This commitment leaves them just $32 million shy of the luxury tax barrier. It doesn’t mean that they’re done filling out the rest of the roster.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers might have an opportunity to utilize their full midlevel exception of approximately $14 million if Alexander-Walker opts for a discount. That kind of flexibility would offer them all kinds of strategic advantages in shoring up their roster.
“I’ve never seen a free agency where only one team has real cap space in my career. These free agents are f
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