The Atlanta Hawks aren’t wasting time this offseason to strengthen their roster. After making waves with a surprise trade for veteran forward Kristaps Porziņģis, the front office is already eyeing their next move.
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, the Hawks could now turn their attention to a sign-and-trade for 26-year-old Minnesota Timberwolves guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker. With financial flexibility and momentum on their side, the Hawks seem poised to stay aggressive this summer.
Hawks in Strong Position to Make a Move for Nickeil Alexander-Walker
The Hawks’ three-team deal with the Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets sent Porziņģis to Atlanta while moving Terance Mann and Georges Niang off their books. That transaction bolstered Atlanta’s frontcourt and kept a key asset intact.
Jake Fischer reported on June 24, “Remember when The Stein Line reported last week that the Hawks were determined to make use of their $25 million trade exception that still lingers from last summer’s Dejounte Murray trade?
“That doesn’t change with the Porziņģis trade. Atlanta was able to seal its three-team deal with Boston and Brooklyn by sending out the contracts of Terance Mann and Georges Niang, meaning that it still has the TPE at its disposal.”
This trade exception, coupled with the fact that the Hawks remain roughly $30 million below the luxury-tax line, gives them considerable room to maneuver for a bold trade.
Jake wrote last week that the Hawks want to use their $25 million trade exception from last summer’s Dejounte Murray trade and just updated below that they remain intent on making use of it.
More from Jake’s notebook: https://t.co/jLnf1yWMJH
And mine: https://t.co/mm9mZbhYn8 https://t.co/by4SQ2gJ6k— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 24, 2025
“Word is that the Hawks, at roughly $30 million below the luxury-tax line, are expected to register interest in a sign-and-trade deal with Minnesota to try to acquire Nickeil Alexander-Walker — among various options that Atlanta is exploring with its trade and financial flexibility — in the event that the Timberwolves, in their quests to re-sign Julius Randle and Naz Reid, run out of the flexibility needed to re-sign Alexander-Walker,” Fischer added.”
Besides, the deal appears more feasible since the Timberwolves have their hands full this summer. With Julius Randle and Naz Reid both priorities for re-signing, Alexander-Walker could become the odd man out, opening the door for the Hawks to extend their offer.
Alexander-Walker Could Be Perfect Complement to Porziņģis
Alexander-Walker is a compelling target for the Hawks. He averaged 9.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists while shooting 38.1% from deep this past season with the Timberwolves. But it’s his defense that may attract Atlanta most — he’s a physical, smart defender who can fight through screens and guard multiple positions.
His strengths would nicely complement Porziņģis, who provides spacing and rim protection. Alexander-Walker’s perimeter defense, paired with Porziņģis’ interior presence, could give the Hawks one of the more balanced defensive duos in the East.
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While the Hawks could technically try to sign Alexander-Walker using the non-taxpayer mid-level exception, a sign-and-trade would allow them to offer more money, making them a more attractive option in a competitive market.
Porziņģis’ arrival already offers a solution for Atlanta’s spacing issues, and now it allows Onyeka Okongwu to return to his more natural power-forward spot. A backcourt addition like Alexander-Walker, who doesn’t dominate the ball but contributes on both ends, could round out the Hawks’ lineup effectively.
With the three-team deal for Porziņģis, Hawks’ general manager Onsi Saleh has made it clear he’s not afraid to make bold moves. With the Porziņģis deal in the books and a $25 million trade exception still available, Atlanta appears ready to keep reshaping their roster.
