Hawks Near $62M Sign-and-Trade for Timberwolves Guard Alexander-Walker

The Atlanta Hawks are finalizing a sign-and-trade deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves to acquire guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker on a four-year, $62 million contract, which includes sending cash and a 2027 second-round draft pick to Minnesota. Alexander-Walker, a versatile 3-and-D player known for his scoring and defense, averaged 9.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists last season and played all 82 games for the second straight year. This move strengthens the Hawks' backcourt depth alongside stars Trae Young and Dyson Daniels, aiming to return to playoff contention after several disappointing seasons. The Hawks are using a $25.3 million traded player exception from the Dejounte Murray trade to absorb Alexander-Walker's salary without sacrificing key players. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves are moving on due to roster constraints after signing Julius Randle and Naz Reid and focusing on younger guards. This sign-and-trade benefits both teams by creating trade exceptions, with Atlanta adding a reliable, defensive-minded guard and Minnesota gaining flexibility for future roster upgrades.