The Minnesota Timberwolves’ blockbuster trade sending Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks was about more than basketball. It was about long-term survival in a league dominated by the ominous second apron. Timberwolves fans accepted the loss of KAT, hoping the financial relief would allow the team to keep rising stars like Naz Reid and Nickeil Alexander-Walker. However, as the 2025 free agency looms, it’s becoming clear that retaining both players may not be possible.
NBA Business: Timberwolves Set To Lose Nickeil Alexander-Walker To Keep Naz Reid
Naz Reid: The Heartbeat of Minnesota
Reid has become a fan favorite and one of the most vital players on the Wolves roster. Undrafted and initially overlooked, Reid has grown into a cornerstone of the team. His importance can’t be overstated—especially now that Towns is gone. Reid’s versatile skill set, including his ability to score from inside and out, provides a unique dimension to the Wolves frontcourt.
But Reid is more than just a skilled player. He embodies the team’s resilience and grit. Wolves fans have embraced him, even going as far as getting tattoos in his honor. His loyalty to the franchise is evident, and there’s a strong chance that he will take a hometown discount to stay in Minnesota. The Wolves front office will do everything possible to ensure Reid remains a Timberwolf for years to come.
Alexander-Walker: A Rising Defensive Star
Alexander-Walker, on the other hand, faces a different fate. Acquired as part of the trade that brought Mike Conley Jr. to Minnesota, Alexander-Walker was initially seen as a throw-in. However, he quickly proved his value, emerging as a crucial piece of the Wolves’ rotation. His defensive ability, especially when paired with Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels, has turned heads across the league. Off the bench, Alexander-Walker provided a spark that helped Minnesota make noise in the competitive Western Conference last season.
Despite his value, Alexander-Walker’s future with the team is in jeopardy. His current contract doesn’t allow the Wolves to use his Bird rights to exceed the salary cap to re-sign him. Under the terms of the new collective bargaining agreement, Minnesota can only offer him 175% of his current contract, which amounts to around $7.9 million per year. Given his breakout performance last season, Alexander-Walker is likely to command much more on the open market, with some estimates placing his value in the $10-15 million per year range.
The Wolves’ Dilemma
This financial reality leaves the Wolves in a tough spot. The decision to trade KAT was supposed to clear cap space for the future. Even with Towns’ massive contract off the books, Minnesota doesn’t have enough flexibility to retain both Reid and Alexander-Walker without making significant sacrifices elsewhere.
Given the circumstances, it’s highly likely that the Timberwolves will prioritize keeping Reid over Alexander-Walker. Reid’s role as a fan favorite, his potential willingness to take a discount, and his ability to fill the void left by Towns make him a more indispensable piece of the team’s future. Alexander-Walker, while talented, maybe the odd man out as the Timberwolves simply don’t have the financial flexibility to offer him the contract he deserves.
Could a Trade Be the Solution?
If Alexander-Walker is unlikely to re-sign with the Wolves in 2025, they may need to make another difficult decision: trading Alexander-Walker before the trade deadline. Moving him now could net the Wolves valuable assets—whether it be draft picks or younger, cheaper players who could grow alongside their core.
Trading Alexander-Walker would be a bitter pill to swallow for a team that is trying to contend. Losing a key rotation player during a playoff push could disrupt team chemistry, especially as the Wolves are still adjusting to life after Towns. However, if the Timberwolves can secure a strong return for Alexander-Walker, it may be the best move for the team’s long-term success.
Balancing the Present and the Future
The Timberwolves are in a unique position. Their championship window is opening, with Edwards ascending to superstardom and McDaniels blossoming into a top-tier defender. Minnesota’s defense, when everything clicks, can be suffocating. The team has the potential to be a legitimate contender in the Western Conference.
However, the future is always looming in the NBA. Going all-in for one season could leave the Wolves handcuffed for years if they don’t maintain financial flexibility. Trading Towns was a step toward that goal. The looming departure of Alexander-Walker could be the next painful move the Wolves must make to stay competitive in the long run.
Timberwolves Have to Choose Between Naz Reid and Nickeil Alexander-Walker
The Timberwolves find themselves at a crossroads. Retaining both Reid and Alexander-Walker seems increasingly unlikely due to financial constraints. Reid, with his importance to the team’s chemistry and his potential to replace the leaving KAT, appears to be the priority. Meanwhile, Alexander-Walker, despite his defensive prowess and upside, maybe on his way out. At the trade deadline in February, the Wolves face another tough decision—one that could shape the Wolves’ future for years to come.
