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Hawks Swoop In on Top Pistons Free Agency Target

The Detroit Pistons won't be landing Nickeil Alexander-Walker.
Justin Grasso|
Mar 27, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (9) backs towards the basket as Detroit Pistons forward Chimezie Metu (5) in the second half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
Mar 27, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (9) backs towards the basket as Detroit Pistons forward Chimezie Metu (5) in the second half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images | Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

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Detroit PistonsAtlanta Hawks

Down goes another free agent target for the Detroit Pistons.

As the team shifted its focus over to Nickeil Alexander-Walker, the Pistons were in a tight two-team race for the former Minnesota Timberwolves guard’s services. As free agency inched closer, it was becoming apparent that the Pistons were potentially looking to lose out.

It was only a matter of time until it was confirmed. The Atlanta Hawks will be swooping in on Alexander-Walker, adding another impressive move to their list of acquisitions this summer.

According to Shams Charania of ESPN, Alexander-Walker agreed to a four-year deal with the Hawks. He’ll get paid $62 million over that time, with the final year being a player option. In addition, Alexander-Walker has a trade kicker attached to his deal.

The acquisition will be a sign-and-trade between the Hawks and the Timberwolves. Atlanta will send a 2027 second-round pick via Cleveland and cash in order to acquire Alexander-Walker.

Alexander-Walker started his career with the New Orleans Pelicans. Being that the Pistons’ President of Basketball Operations, Trajan Langdon, worked in New Orleans, he had a connection to the standout guard.

After three seasons in New Orleans and two years in Utah, Alexander-Walker spent the previous three seasons with the Timberwolves. He averaged eight points, three rebounds, and three assists across 187 games.

Being one of the better two-way guards in the league, the Pistons hoped to lure in Alexander-Walker, especially after putting discussions with Malik Beasley on hold. Unfortunately, the Pistons will miss out on the veteran, who is now Atlanta-bound.

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Justin Grasso
JUSTIN GRASSO

Justin Grasso was a credentialed writer and publisher covering the Philadelphia 76ers for Sports Illustrated’s 76ers On SI Network. Grasso got his start in sports media in 2016 with FantasyPros, working the news desk, providing game-by-game player analysis and updates on the Portland Trail Blazers and the Golden State Warriors. By 2017, he joined FanSided’s Philadelphia Eagles site as a staff writer. After spending one season covering the Eagles as a staff writer, Grasso was promoted to become the site’s Co-Editor. For the next two NFL seasons, he covered the Eagles closely before broadening his NFL coverage. For a brief stint, Grasso covered the NFL on a national basis after joining Heavy.com as an NFL news desk writer. In 2019, Grasso joined the 76ers' beat on a part-time basis, stepping into a role with South Jersey’s 97.3 ESPN. Ahead of the 2019-2020 NBA season, he concluded a three-year stint covering the Eagles and joined the Sixers beat full-time. Grasso has covered the 76ers exclusively since then for Sports Illustrated. He is a member of the Pro Basketball Writers Association. Twitter: @JGrasso_ Instagram: @JGrassoMedia

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