{"id":142854,"date":"2025-05-31T23:41:06","date_gmt":"2025-06-01T03:41:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=142854"},"modified":"2025-06-01T05:41:26","modified_gmt":"2025-06-01T09:41:26","slug":"magic-poach-timberwolves-free-agent-nickeil-alexander-walker","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/05\/31\/magic-poach-timberwolves-free-agent-nickeil-alexander-walker\/","title":{"rendered":"Magic May Poach Timberwolves Free Agent"},"content":{"rendered":"

Led by 22-year-old Paolo Banchero<\/a> and 23-year-old Franz Wagner<\/a>, the Orlando Magic are wondering just how they\u2019ll be the latest upstart \u00a0to make a deep run in the NBA Playoffs. The elephant in the room is their lack of a consistent third option on offense. In fact, with Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland has recently been rumored to be a trade target<\/a> for the Floridian franchise.<\/p>\n

With being said, the moves that the Magic make in the margins could be the difference-makers as well.<\/p>\n

Magic May Poach Timberwolves Free Agent Nickeil Alexander-Walker<\/h2>\n

Orlando\u2019s point guard group wasn\u2019t the only one that disappointed in 2024-25. Actually, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope<\/a> was arguably the most underwhelming player on the roster. After prying him away from the Denver Nuggets last summer, Caldwell-Pope was expected to be<\/a> above-average 3-and-D wing who could provide championship experience.<\/p>\n

The 32-year-old did provide those intangibles. He also helped the Magic be a top-tier defense, ranking first in opponents points per game (105.5) and second in defensive rating (109.6). However, he shot just 34.2 percent from 3, his lowest mark since 2015-16.<\/p>\n

Given Caldwell-Pope\u2019s subpar performance, it\u2019s no wonder that they\u2019re being linked to<\/a> Minnesota Timberwolves free agent Nickeil Alexander-Walker<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cNext season’s full midlevel exception will be worth more than three times what Nickeil Alexander-Walker made last season at $14.1 million… with rumbles already in circulation that Orlando is a team to watch as a potential suitor,\u201d reports The Stein Line insider Marc Stein.<\/p>\n

Y-E-S To N-A-W<\/h3>\n

Alexander-Walker is primarily regarded as an upper echelon perimeter defender. As that\u2019s where the Magic hang their hat, he\u2019s already a culture fit. At 26 years old, he also fits the timeline set by their franchise cornerstones.<\/p>\n

\"\"
May 24, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Isaiah Joe (11) dribbles the ball past Minnesota Timberwolves guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (9) during the first half in game three of the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

So, even if he wasn\u2019t a respectable 3-point threat, Orlando might still have some level of interest in his services.<\/p>\n

\n

Asked Nickeil Alexander-Walker what the value in today’s NBA is of being able to stay attached to your man when defending at the point of attack.<\/p>\n

And here some clips, not all at the point of attack, of Alexander-Walker defending against the Lakers in February. pic.twitter.com\/xsKOJtgAyF<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Dane Moore (@DaneMooreNBA) April 17, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n