Minnesota Timberwolves swingman Nickeil Alexander-Walker has played himself to a fat contract this summer when he becomes a free agent. He will surely attract some suitors, and the Charlotte Hornets have to be one of them — two years after he was mentioned as a potential target for Buzz City.
The challenge for the Hornets, though, is that they might not be able to afford Alexander-Walker. Some pundits believe he should command an annual salary of around $20 million, and Charlotte would have to maneuver some contracts around to open up the space needed to make a competitive offer for his services.
However, NAW's value may have taken a hit after he laid an egg during the Wolves' most important game this season. With his squad facing elimination in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals, he failed to score a point and could only helplessly watch as the Oklahoma City Thunder ran away with a 124-94 victory.
Hornets should hope Nickeil Alexander-Walker becomes more affordable
To be fair to Alexander-Walker, none of his other teammates were up to the task of trying to withstand the OKC's onslaught on Wednesday. Anthony Edwards looked like a deer in the headlights. Julius Randle posted an efficient 24 points but had a -28 plus/minus, with only Edwards being worse in that department. The rest of the starters combined for just seven points.
It was a perfect storm for Minnesota, and the Thunder capitalized on their opponent's unpreparedness.
Still, Alexander-Walker's ugly outing shouldn't blind people to how valuable he is and can be. He looks like the ideal 3-and-D wing who can light it up from the floor when needed, as evidenced by his 23-point performance in the Wolves' two-point loss in Game 4. He also has the height, strength, and bravado that can make him a key piece for the Hornets' bench.
Ironically, Nickeil looks like the archetype of a player who has helped Oklahoma City rise to the top of the West this season. It's the kind of hoopster Charlotte should target this summer in the draft, free agency, and the trade market.
Maybe the Hornets can get him for a discount, and not just because of his Game 5 dud. The Wolves also have several roster issues to address, including Naz Reid's free agency, the need to find an upgrade over starting point guard Mike Conley, and opening up minutes for young, promising wings Rob Dillingham and Terrence Shannon Jr. As such, Alexander-Walker might have to leave this offseason, and, in that case, Charlotte should check how much he is going to be worth.