Timberwolves guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker is shaping up to be a popular name on the NBA free agent market, with the Pistons and Hawks viewed as the frontrunners to sign him away from Minnesota, per Marc Stein of The Stein Line.
Alexander-Walker is expected to command offers near the full non-taxpayer mid-level exception, projected to start at $14.1 million. Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic suggests the bidding could even exceed that figure.
Minnesota would like to keep the 25-year-old, but money may be a problem. The Wolves are already locked into a long-term deal with Naz Reid and are expected to retain Julius Randle. Matching a market-value offer for Alexander-Walker would likely push Minnesota deep into second-apron territory.
The combo guard played a key role off the bench last season, offering solid defense and scoring punch during the Wolves’ playoff run. But it may take more than sentiment to keep him in town.
Pistons Preparing for Change
In Detroit, the Pistons are bracing for the likely exit of Dennis Schroder, who has been linked to the Kings. Schroder didn’t exactly confirm the rumors during a Twitch stream this weekend, but his comments left little room for optimism.
“I want to stay in Detroit for sure, but Detroit ain’t waiting for me, I can tell you that much,” Schroder said.
The Pistons have been connected to Alexander-Walker as a potential replacement, and they have the cap space to make a competitive offer.
Grimes Expected to Stay in Philly
Sixers restricted free agent Quentin Grimes is expected to land a starting salary of at least $16 million, according to Stein. That would be enough to fend off other NBA teams limited to the non-taxpayer mid-level exception. The 23-year-old was a late-season addition via trade and showed flashes of being a high-end rotation piece. Philadelphia appears motivated to keep him long term.
Clippers Eyeing Kornet as Backup Big
The Clippers are scanning the market for a reserve center behind Ivica Zubac and have identified Celtics free agent Luke Kornet as a possible target, Stein writes. Kornet, 28, gave Boston quality minutes in limited action last season and could be a low-cost, high-IQ option for a Clippers team trying to balance depth and financial flexibility.
Thunder Lock in Williams
NBA champion Oklahoma City declined a minimum-salary option on big man Jaylin Williams, but not to part ways. The move allowed the two sides to restructure, and they’ve agreed to a three-year, $24 million deal, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. The third year is a team option.
Williams has become a steady piece in the Thunder’s frontcourt rotation and gives them a physical presence with room to grow.
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