The Atlanta Hawks bolstered their wing play by adding one of the best two-way players on the free agent market in Nickeil Alexander-Walker. But it’s not a move that came without the blessing of Atlanta’s franchise cornerstone.
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the Hawks and Minnesota Timberwolves negotiated a sign-and-trade for the 26-year-old swingman. Atlanta netted Alexander-Walker in exchange for a 2027 Cleveland Cavaliers second-round pick and cash considerations.
As a part of the deal, Alexander-Walker and the Hawks agreed on a four-year, $62 million deal that includes a player option on the final year. The contract ties him to Atlanta through the 2028-29 season, should that option be picked up.
Perhaps the biggest reason why “NAW” chose Atlanta? Enter Trae Young.
Trae Young strikes in recruiting
According to a report by senior NBA insider Chris Haynes, Trae Young played a “very vocal and active [role] in recruiting Nickeil Alexander-Walker to Atlanta. He was heavily involved in the process to lure one of the top wing free agents on the market.”
This development is notable for an Atlanta team that has been stuck in neutral for a number of years. They’ve lost back-to-back years in the Play-In Tournament, and were eliminated in the first round during the two seasons before that. By making win-now moves such as the Kristaps Porzinigis trade, and now the acquisition of Alexander-Walker, the Hawks have added prestige.
Young being at the center of it can’t be overstated. Just months ago, the national NBA coverage around the Hawks potentially selling Young via trade and attempting to clean house. They didn’t do that. They pivoted to building around Young, and the superstar has paid off their bet on him. He’s determined to win, and his actions of recruiting a difference-maker like “NAW” make that crystal clear.
When looking at Alexander-Walker’s game, he’s fresh off of a conference finals run with the Minnesota Timberwolves where he played a valuable role. During the club’s five-game series win over the Golden State Warriors in the conference semifinals, he shot 45.5% from three-point range and guarded wing players like Jimmy Butler. He’s a seamless fit alongside Zaccharie Risacher and Jalen Johnson as defensive-minded pieces.
Looking ahead, the Hawks signed guard Luke Kennard to a one-year deal, but still have cap flexibility under the tax, per expert Keith Smith. Onsi Saleh and Trae Young teamed for this deal, but we’ll see what else Atlanta has up their sleeve in free agency.