Hawks Acquire Nickeil Alexander-Walker in Sign-and-Trade with Timberwolves

The Atlanta Hawks have added guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker to their roster, acquiring him from the Minnesota Timberwolves in a sign-and-trade deal. In return, the Hawks sent a 2027 second-round draft pick (Cleveland’s own) and cash considerations to Minnesota.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Nickeil to our program,” said General Manager Onsi Saleh. “He brings a blend of defensive intensity, shooting and a competitive spirit that instantly elevates our team. He’s also a great fit for our locker room, and we’re looking forward to the many ways he will impact winning in Atlanta.”

Alexander-Walker, 25, played in all 82 games (10 starts) for the Timberwolves during the 2024-25 season, averaging 9.4 points, a career-high 3.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in a career-best 25.3 minutes per game. He shot 43.8% from the field, 38.1% from three, and 78.0% from the free-throw line.

The 6-foot-5 guard is known for his durability, having played all 82 games in each of the past two seasons—joining Harrison Barnes, Mikal Bridges, Jalen Green, and Buddy Hield as the only NBA players to do so. Last season, he scored in double figures in 36 games, including five 20-point performances. He also set a career-high with 141 made three-pointers, 125 of which came off catch-and-shoot opportunities, where he shot 42.5%—ranking 10th in the NBA (minimum 275 attempts).

Defensively, Alexander-Walker logged a career-best 170 total deflections and recovered 72.5% of defensive loose balls, the second-highest percentage in the league last season (minimum 25 defensive loose balls recovered).

He showed his playoff capabilities in Game 4 of the 2025 Western Conference Finals, posting postseason career highs of 23 points and six assists, along with four rebounds and two steals off the bench. His 23 points tied for the second-most points off the bench in Timberwolves playoff history.

Originally drafted 17th overall in 2019 by Brooklyn and traded to New Orleans on draft night, Alexander-Walker has career averages of 8.6 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 20.8 minutes across 381 games (68 starts) with the Pelicans, Jazz, and Timberwolves. He has appeared in 37 playoff games, including five starts, averaging 7.8 points in 22.7 minutes.

The Toronto native also represented Canada at the 2024 Paris Olympics, appearing in four games.

The acquisition gives Atlanta a versatile two-way guard with proven shooting, defensive metrics, and postseason experience as the team continues to restructure under GM Onsi Saleh’s leadership.