The Atlanta Hawks and Detroit Pistons remain viewed as the top candidates to land Minnesota Timberwolves guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker, per HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, who confirms earlier reports that both teams are making a strong push as NBA free agency begins.
Scotto adds that the Los Angeles Clippers and Toronto Raptors are also in pursuit of the 25-year-old, with a few other teams lurking. The Orlando Magic were believed to have interest before acquiring Desmond Bane in a blockbuster deal.
Toronto might seem like a surprise, given its spot in the NBA standings, but the team is aiming for a quick turnaround. Alexander-Walker is a Toronto native, and the franchise has a track record of targeting Canadian players, having carried four this past season.
League executives told Scotto that Alexander-Walker is expected to command at least the $14.1 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception. Most around the league believe his time in Minnesota is over, especially after the Timberwolves re-signed Naz Reid and agreed to a new deal with Julius Randle.
Scotto also reports:
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Suns center Nick Richards is drawing trade interest after Phoenix drafted Khaman Maluach and added Mark Williams. Richards’ $5 million salary became guaranteed on Sunday. The New York Knicks, Indiana Pacers and Los Angeles Lakers are teams to watch.
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Clint Capela is unlikely to return to the Hawks following the Kristaps Porzingis deal. The Clippers, Lakers and San Antonio Spurs are viewed as potential landing spots.
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Luke Kennard is expected to move on from the Memphis Grizzlies. The 29-year-old guard shot 45.1 percent from three last season and remains one of the league’s premier perimeter threats.
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