Report: Nickeil Alexander-Walker heading to Atlanta in sign-and-trade

The NAW era is officially over in Minnesota.

May 10, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (9) complains to referee Mitchell Ervin in the third quarter during game three in the second round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images | David Gonzales-Imagn Images

The Nickeil Alexander-Walker era in Minnesota is official over.

ESPN NBA Insider Shams Charania reported on Monday that NAW has agreed to a four-year $62 million deal with the Atlanta Hawks on the opening night of free agency.

Free agent Nickeil Alexander-Walker has agreed to a four-year, $62 million deal with the Atlanta Hawks, plus a player option and trade kicker, sources tell ESPN. CAA Co-Heads of Basketball Aaron Mintz/Austin Brown and Steven Heumann reached the contract with the Hawks tonight. pic.twitter.com/G93cmxsHGo

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2025

Minnesota's decision to sign Naz Reid and Julius Randle to long-term extensions made it unlikely that NAW would return. He will now make roughly $15.5 million per season over the next four years.

It will be a sign-and-trade deal for Minnesota. They will be receiving a 2027 second-round pick from the Hawks and cash considerations in the deal, according to the Athletic's Jon Krawczynski. The Wolves will also receive a trade exception worth around $7 million, which they'll be able to use anytime over the next 12 months.

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Alexander-Walker averaged 9.4 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game last season as one of the Timberwolves' top players off the bench. Minnesota will now look to Terrence Shannon Jr. and Jaylen Clark for expanded roles in his place.