The Atlanta Hawks acquired Nickeil Alexander-Walker in a sign-and-trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves last summer. They thought the 27-year-old guard could have success in a larger role in Atlanta, and he shared the same sentiment. Alexander-Walker proved himself and the Hawks right, enjoying a career-best 2025-26 campaign and taking home the Most Improved Player Award.
Alexander-Walker put the NBA world on notice in his first season in Atlanta with his deadeye three-point shooting, crafty rim finishing, and relentless defense. He played so well that some Hawks fans began to wonder if the team should explore selling high on him this summer. However, this move would be a colossal mistake.
NAW became the second option out of necessity and still thrived
Alexander-Walker began this season as the Hawks' sixth-man, but he quickly became a starter after Trae Young went down with an MCL sprain on Oct. 29. The former Timberwolves guard never looked back after this moment.
Alexander-Walker averaged 20.8 points, 3.7 assists, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.3 steals this season - all career-high numbers. He also splashed a personal-best 3.2 three-pointers per game at a 39.9% clip.
With Young unavailable and Kristaps Porziņģis' availability constantly in question, Alexander-Walker became the clear second option behind Jalen Johnson and thrived in head coach Quin Snyder's pace-and-space offense.
However, this was never Onsi Saleh's intent when he built this squad. His original vision possibly had Alexander-Walker as the fourth or fifth scoring option behind Young, Porziņģis, Johnson, and maybe even Dyson Daniels
Alexander-Walker's success shows how well he, his teammates, and the coaching staff adjusted to their given circumstances. That versatility to fit into any role is certainly valuable, even if Atlanta knows Alexander-Walker's offensive role should shrink in the future.
NAW's contract remains one of the best value deals in the NBA
Saleh signed the 2025-26 Most Improved Player to a four-year, $60.6 million contract in 2025. Alexander-Walker's production on both ends this season blows this number out of the water. A 20-point scorer with great perimeter defense, making an average salary of $15.2 million a season? These types of players are incredibly hard to find, but the Hawks found one.
Atlanta has Alexander-Walker for two more seasons, making mid-level exception money. He has a $15.9 million player option for 2028-29, which he likely declines if he seeks a higher payday on his next contract. If the Hawks make a major offensive upgrade that scales down Alexander-Walker's offensive role, NBA money politics may not become a large obstacle to overcome.
The Hawks' poor half-court offense bit them in the playoffs. The New York Knicks series made it clear that Atlanta needs more shot creation and playmaking out of their backcourt. If they find that upgrade over the next two years, Alexander-Walker's scoring numbers and role may shrink. However, his contract, adaptability, and versatility give the front office the freedom to raise the team's ceiling.
Alexander-Walker's trade value may have reached its peak this summer. Could Saleh execute a sell-high trade to collect even more draft assets? He certainly could. However, Alexander-Walker proved impactful in a variety of different roles in Minnesota and Atlanta. If the Hawks turn this core into a title contender, he can help them in many ways, even if he does not need to score 20 points per game.
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