Story by
Timberwolves Trade NAW; Former Players Sign Elsewhere
- Story by
- Timberwolves Trade NAW; Former Players Sign Elsewhere
Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
Although contracts can't officially be signed until July 6, NBA free agency kicked off in earnest on Monday night. The Minnesota Timberwolves already have extended Naz Reid and Julius Randle . Then they decided to let a pair of young big men walk .
On Monday their only new deal came in the form of a re-up with veteran swingman Joe Ingles . It isn't expected that Tim Connelly will be too aggressive given the luxury tax implications and desire to avoid significant second apron penalties.
Advertisement
If there was an assumed result, it was that Nickeil Alexander-Walker would sign elsewhere . His market was going to be robust, and a deal came together quickly.
Related Headlines
Minnesota Timberwolves send NAW to Atlanta for payday
Nickeil Alexander-Walker played the 2024-25 season on one of the most team-friendly contracts in the NBA. In his second full season with the Minnesota Timberwolves NAW became a rotation fixture and one of the most under-the-radar stars in the game. Now he gets his payday.
The Timberwolves orchestrated a sign-and-trade with Alexander-Walker to facilitate his new deal with Atlanta. They did pick up a second round pick and some cash in the swap.
Advertisement
The four-year $62 million payday was substantially more than Minnesota would have been able to offer him. Last season NAW made $4.3 million in the second year of a two-year $9 million extension he signed with the Timberwolves.
NAW played all 82 games for Minnesota this season. It was the second-straight year he had accomplished that feat. He also made 10 starts for Chris Finch. In 2024-25 NAW averaged 9.4 points per game on 43.8% shooting.
He now heads to an Atlanta team with Trae Young at the helm. It should be expected that Alexander-Walker will be given a bit more freedom in the rotation even after averaging 25.3 minutes per game with the Minnesota Timberwolves this past year.
Familiar MN Timberwolves faces find new landing spots as well
It wasn't just NAW that was on the move Monday night. The free agency frenzy had multiple players with Minnesota Timberwolves ties signing on the dotted line as well.
Free agent center Luka Garza has agreed to a two-year, $5.5 million fully guaranteed deal with the Boston Celtics , sources tell ESPN. The Celtics negotiated the new deal with Garza's representatives Mark Bartelstein and Kieran Piller of @PrioritySports tonight. pic.twitter.com/d5x5HzGYIL
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2025
Free agent guard Tyus Jones has agreed to a one-year, $7 million deal with the Orlando Magic , sources tell ESPN. Magic officials negotiated the deal with Jones' agent Kevin Bradbury of LIFT Sports Management, which gives Jones a key role for the East contenders. pic.twitter.com/oR6gTHDyPK
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2025
Russell will have a player option in the second season of his two-year, $13M deal with the Mavericks , sources said. https://t.co/HGfKaEnMoW
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2025
It didn't take long for Luka Garza to find a new home. Minnesota declined his minimal player option for the upcoming season and the former Iowa Hawkeye is headed to the Celtics on a two-year deal worth $5.5 million. He is certainly looking for a bit more opportunity within the rotation.
Advertisement
It has been a while since Tyus Jones played for the Timberwolves. However, the "one of us" guard could have potentially been an option to fill the playmaker role Minnesota needs this summer. He won't be back though and is instead signing with the Magic. He joins fellow Minnesotan Jalen Suggs on the Orlando roster. Although he never played for the Timberwolves, Jones' brother Tre also signed a new three-year deal for $24 million with the Chicago Bulls .
Related: Minnesota Timberwolves Bring Back Veteran Free Agent
The memories of D'Angelo Russell aren't particularly fond in Minnesota. The guard has bounced between Los Angeles and Brooklyn since that time. He now is joining the Dallas Mavericks, and top pick Cooper Flagg . Russell will be on a Mavericks team that is looking to make noise in the post-Luka Doncic era.
The Minnesota Timberwolves still have some more moves to make on their own. Who and when they find agreements with remains to be seen.
Advertisement
Related Headlines
