Latest news with #NickeilAlexander-Walker
The Herald Scotland
02-07-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
NBA free agency winners, losers: Lakers and Bucks in trouble?
The common theme, as it has been since the 2023 Collective Bargaining Agreement was signed, appears to be a fear of punitive first- and second-apron sanctions. The window to negotiate contracts opened at 6 p.m. ET Monday, June 30, and a flurry of deals came in, though deals cannot officially be signed until July 6. Here are the early winners and losers from Day 1 of NBA free agency. WINNERS Houston Rockets This is a clear signal that Houston is going all-in on its perceived championship window. Trading for Kevin Durant is one thing, but staying aggressive and adding forward Dorian Finney-Smith and center Clint Capela shores up a roster that suddenly has size, length and speed at the wing -- a recipe for success in the modern NBA. Already an excellent defensive team, Houston should be a nightmare when it needs a stop and gets its specialty lineup on the floor. Denver Nuggets When the Nuggets won the NBA Finals two years ago, their depth was a key asset. Flipping Michael Porter Jr. and a 2032 unprotected first rounder for the far cheaper Cameron Johnson allowed Denver to reunite with defensive-minded guard Bruce Brown. Atlanta Hawks A very good week for new general manager Onsi Saleh continued. After landing Kristaps Porzingis at a discount and excelling in the draft, Saleh continued to remake the Hawks into a contender in the wide-open East. Atlanta reportedly added shooting in Luke Kennard and wing defense in Nickeil Alexander-Walker. When paired with steal machine Dyson Daniels, that's a defensive backcourt that should cause problems for the rest of the conference. Players who are cashing in Players like center Luke Kornet (four years, $41 million to the Spurs), Nickeil Alexander-Walker (four years, $62 million in a sign-and-trade to the Hawks), guard Ty Jerome (three years, $28 million to the Grizzlies) and forward-center Santi Aldama (three years, $52.5 million) should all be celebrated for cashing in on their improved play. You might as well throw Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. for reportedly landing a five-year max extension worth $248 million in there, too. LOSERS The middle tier of the Western Conference It's bad enough that the West has to contend with a young powerhouse in the NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder. But now, with the Rockets going all-in and the Nuggets improving, the top teams in the conference may be building a significant gap over the middle tier of the West. The Lakers finished third and are signaling an emphasis on the future. The Clippers finished fifth and reportedly added Brook Lopez (two years, $18 million), but is that enough? The Timberwolves reportedly lost defensive wing Nickeil Alexander-Walker in a sign-and-trade. The middle class in a salary-cap starved league In the punitive first- and second-apron era, NBA free agency may not have quite the same sizzle as it once did. Teams like the Celtics have had to break up rosters to shed salary to avoid expensive sanctions triggered by surpassing certain payroll markers. That has led to a cross section of veterans like guards Jordan Clarkson (Jazz) and Cole Anthony (Grizzlies) reportedly being bought out. It has also led veterans like guards Tyus Jones and Gary Trent Jr. to encounter a depressed market fearful of creeping into the luxury tax. Because the Nets were the only team that entered free agency with significant cap space, it appears that other teams may have used that as leverage to be moderate in the contracts offered. Los Angeles Lakers The statement LeBron James' agent, Rich Paul, released when James opted in to his $52.6 million player option seemed to unsettle Lakers fans. It hinted that the Lakers are building for a post-James era, perhaps signaling some rebuilding to come. But losing 3-and-D wing Dorian Finney-Smith -- a player Los Angeles acquired in a late-December trade -- for nothing is questionable roster management. L.A. did reportedly add forward Jake LaRavia, but it's wholly uninspiring. Milwaukee Bucks Everyone will be watching Giannis Antetokounmpo after ESPN reported during the NBA draft that he would be closely monitoring Milwaukee's moves. Antetokounmpo reportedly wants to win, and it's unclear if retaining Gary Trent Jr., Kevin Porter Jr. and Taurean Prince but losing Brook Lopez is enough to keep him happy. Miami Heat They finished 10th in the East but secured the No. 8 seed via the play in-tournament ... then were swept in the first round in historic fashion, the final two games by a combined 92 points. Heat president Pat Riley said May 9 at his end-of-season press conference that "there has to be some change" and that Miami "probably won't run it back." Thus far, the opposite looks true. Terry Rozier and Andrew Wiggins, an expensive pair of players who have underwhelmed, remain on the roster. Duncan Robinson, an undrafted player who has shined in moments, did Miami a solid by reportedly exercising an early termination option to ease the cap burden. If the Heat do work on a revised long-term deal with Robinson, it signals more of the status quo. As it stands right now, the only player on the books for next season who wasn't with the team last year is No. 20 overall pick Kasparas Jakucionis.
New York Post
02-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Post
Hawks' big offseason has caught NBA oddsmakers' eye
Gambling content 21+. The New York Post may receive an affiliate commission if you sign up through our links. Read our editorial standards for more information. Oddsmakers are pegging the Hawks as one of the NBA offseason's early winners. After several big moves, Atlanta's NBA title odds have gone from 120/1 to 55/1 at DraftKings Sportsbook, one of the biggest boosts so far this summer. The Hawks are now being given a realistic shot to win the Eastern Conference (12/1) and being priced as a near shoo-in to make the playoffs. Last week, the Hawks acquired Kristaps Porzingis from the Celtics in a three-team deal with the Nets. When healthy, Porzingis is one of the best big men in the NBA, averaging 19.8 points and seven rebounds for Boston over the past two seasons, though he dealt with a post-viral syndrome during the Celtics' last playoff run. At the beginning of free agency, the Hawks also added Timberwolves wing Nickeil Alexander-Walker on a four-year, $62 million deal, adding to what is now a deep rotation up-and-down their lineup. Nickeil Alexander-Walker celebrates after a 3-point basket by Donte DiVincenzo during the second half of the Timberwolves' Game 4 playoff loss to the Thunder this past season. AP Alexander-Walker shot 38.1 percent from deep last season while playing excellent defense for Minnesota. Oddsmakers are also likely pricing in some development from their young wings, Dyson Daniels, Zaccharie Risacher, and Jalen Johnson, around point guard Trae Young. Teams around Atlanta in the East look to be taking a step back as well. Betting on the NBA? The Celtics and Pacers will be without superstars Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton for most, if not all, of the season with Achilles tears, while the Bucks just waived Damian Lillard after he suffered an Achilles injury of his own. Since surprisingly making the East Finals in 2021, the Hawks have been about as average a team as it gets, winning between 43 and 36 games and participating in the play-in tournament in each of the past four seasons. Why Trust New York Post Betting Dylan Svoboda is a versatile writer and analyst across many sports. He's particularly knowledgeable about the big three — MLB, the NFL and the NBA.
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ignites fiery family feud with cousin Nickeil Alexander-Walker in 2025 West Finals
Sometimes, a game means more than just winning or losing, this was one of those times. The NBA Western Conference Finals took on an emotional turn in May 2025. The Oklahoma City Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander went up against his cousin, Minnesota Timberwolves guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker, in a game that went beyond the result on the court. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The two Canadians realized a childhood dream when they faced off on one of the league's grandest stages. It wasn't just history, or basketball, it was family and a moment fans won't forget. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nickeil Alexander-Walker share a special NBA playoff moment In May 2025, fans witnessed something you don't see every day. Two 26-year-olds from Canada, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, weren't just out there chasing a championship. They were family, tied by blood and years of memories, now standing on opposite sides of a playoff fight that ran much deeper than basketball. The Western Conference Finals weren't just another playoff round; it was personal. They grew up in Toronto, side by side. Practice in the driveway. Shoot brackets in local fitness centers. Switching jerseys, dreams and late at night about NBA. Now, years later, they were finally here, not only in the league, but against each other under the brightest light basketball has to offer. And this time it wasn't a random one-to-one in the garden. It was real. It mattered. And fans could feel it. After one of the games, Shai spoke about it. 'He got the better of me sometimes, I got the better of him,' he told The Athletic. 'It's something we've dreamt about forever. Crazy, it happened.' The family was there too. Both sides sat in the crowd, cheering loudly but proudly. It wasn't about who won each game. It was about how far they'd come. Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander show respect and emotion on the court Nickeil Alexander-Walker entered the NBA in 2019, one year after Shai. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Their paths stayed close. But this playoff series in 2025 was their biggest moment yet. Both played hard. Shai led the Thunder's offense with strong plays and calm focus. Nickeil answered back with tight defense and big shots. Even when the games got tough, they never lost respect for each other. On ESPN, one NBA analyst said, 'This was more than basketball. You could feel the emotion every minute.' As the series ended, the two cousins hugged at center court. The crowd clapped. Cameras caught it all. They didn't need words. Also Read: It wasn't just a playoff game. For Shai and Nickeil, it was family, it was heart, and it was the dream they chased since they were boys in Canada.
USA Today
01-07-2025
- Business
- USA Today
NBA free agency winners and losers: Lakers in trouble? LeBron James trade rumors swirl
Perhaps the first day of NBA free agency didn't have the massive, franchise-altering moves fans have become used to, but there were clear cases of teams capitalizing on the open market. Just the same, there were also cases of teams that took on uninspiring and alarmingly quiet approaches to the sudden availability of players. The common theme, as it has been since the 2023 Collective Bargaining Agreement was signed, appears to be a fear of punitive first- and second-apron sanctions. The window to negotiate contracts opened at 6 p.m. ET Monday, June 30, and a flurry of deals came in, though deals cannot officially be signed until July 6. Here are the early winners and losers from Day 1 of NBA free agency. WINNERS Houston Rockets This is a clear signal that Houston is going all-in on its perceived championship window. Trading for Kevin Durant is one thing, but staying aggressive and adding forward Dorian Finney-Smith and center Clint Capela shores up a roster that suddenly has size, length and speed at the wing — a recipe for success in the modern NBA. Already an excellent defensive team, Houston should be a nightmare when it needs a stop and gets its specialty lineup on the floor. Denver Nuggets When the Nuggets won the NBA Finals two years ago, their depth was a key asset. Flipping Michael Porter Jr. and a 2032 unprotected first rounder for the far cheaper Cameron Johnson allowed Denver to reunite with defensive-minded guard Bruce Brown. Atlanta Hawks A very good week for new general manager Onsi Saleh continued. After landing Kristaps Porziņģis at a discount and excelling in the draft, Saleh continued to remake the Hawks into a contender in the wide-open East. Atlanta reportedly added shooting in Luke Kennard and wing defense in Nickeil Alexander-Walker. When paired with steal machine Dyson Daniels, that's a defensive backcourt that should cause problems for the rest of the conference. Players who are cashing in Players like center Luke Kornet (four years, $41 million to the Spurs), Nickeil Alexander-Walker (four years, $62 million in a sign-and-trade to the Hawks), guard Ty Jerome (three years, $28 million to the Grizzlies) and forward-center Santi Aldama (three years, $52.5 million) should all be celebrated for cashing in on their improved play. You might as well throw Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. for reportedly landing a five-year max extension worth $248 million in there, too. LOSERS The middle tier of the Western Conference It's bad enough that the West has to contend with a young powerhouse in the NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder. But now, with the Rockets going all-in and the Nuggets improving, the top teams in the conference may be building a significant gap over the middle tier of the West. The Lakers finished third and are signaling an emphasis on the future. The Clippers finished fifth and reportedly added Brook Lopez (two years, $18 million), but is that enough? The Timberwolves reportedly lost defensive wing Nickeil Alexander-Walker in a sign-and-trade. The middle class in a salary-cap starved league In the punitive first- and second-apron era, NBA free agency may not have quite the same sizzle as it once did. Teams like the Celtics have had to break up rosters to shed salary to avoid expensive sanctions triggered by surpassing certain payroll markers. That has led to a cross section of veterans like guards Jordan Clarkson (Jazz) and Cole Anthony (Grizzlies) reportedly being bought out. It has also led veterans like guards Tyus Jones and Gary Trent Jr. to encounter a depressed market fearful of creeping into the luxury tax. Because the Nets were the only team that entered free agency with significant cap space, it appears that other teams may have used that as leverage to be moderate in the contracts offered. Los Angeles Lakers The statement LeBron James' agent, Rich Paul, released when James opted in to his $52.6 million player option seemed to unsettle Lakers fans. It hinted that the Lakers are building for a post-James era, perhaps signaling some rebuilding to come. But losing 3-and-D wing Dorian Finney-Smith — a player Los Angeles acquired in a late-December trade — for nothing is questionable roster management. L.A. did reportedly add forward Jake LaRavia, but it's wholly uninspiring. Milwaukee Bucks Everyone will be watching Giannis Antetokounmpo after ESPN reported during the NBA draft that he would be closely monitoring Milwaukee's moves. Antetokounmpo reportedly wants to win, and it's unclear if retaining Gary Trent Jr., Kevin Porter Jr. and Taurean Prince but losing Brook Lopez is enough to keep him happy. Miami Heat They finished 10th in the East but secured the No. 8 seed via the play in-tournament ... then were swept in the first round in historic fashion, the final two games by a combined 92 points. Heat president Pat Riley said May 9 at his end-of-season press conference that 'there has to be some change' and that Miami 'probably won't run it back.' Thus far, the opposite looks true. Terry Rozier and Andrew Wiggins, an expensive pair of players who have underwhelmed, remain on the roster. Duncan Robinson, an undrafted player who has shined in moments, did Miami a solid by reportedly exercising an early termination option to ease the cap burden. If the Heat do work on a revised long-term deal with Robinson, it signals more of the status quo. As it stands right now, the only player on the books for next season who wasn't with the team last year is No. 20 overall pick Kasparas Jakučionis.
Time of India
30-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Golden State Warriors move fast in free agency and target Herb Jones and Nickeil Alexander-Walker for help
(Image Source - Getty Images) The Golden State Warriors aren't wasting any time fixing what broke them last season. After a playoff exit that exposed their lack of wing depth and defense, they've locked onto two names—Herb Jones and Nickeil Alexander-Walker. One brings elite perimeter defense, the other sharpshooting and versatility. With Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler still in win-now mode, the front office is pushing hard to reload before the window closes. Golden State Warriors target Herb Jones for his All-Defensive First Team impact and elite wing defense Herb Jones, who was named to the 2024 All-Defensive First Team, put up averages of 10.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.9 steals over just 20 games with the New Orleans Pelicans before his season was cut short by knee surgery. Jones offers top-notch perimeter defense and athletic versatility qualities that were notably absent when Stephen Curry got injured in Game 1 against the Lakers during the Western Conference semifinals. The Pelicans might consider a trade due to their roster requirements and salary cap situation, but Golden State would probably have to include some young players, possibly even Jonathan Kuminga in a sign-and-trade deal. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy One, Get One Free, Up To 50% Discount, Expiring Soon Original Adidas Get Offer Undo Standing at six-foot-five, Nickeil Alexander-Walker is a two-way guard who put up an average of 9.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists with a shooting percentage of 43.8% from the field and 38.1% from beyond the arc during his last season with Minnesota. Now an unrestricted free agent, he's attracting attention from teams like Detroit and Atlanta. His skills in perimeter defense and off-ball shooting fit seamlessly into the Warriors' game plan, providing Curry and Butler with essential spacing and depth in the guard position. There are reports indicating he might be able to secure a deal worth more than the mid-level exception — but Golden State has the financial flexibility and roster space to make it happen. Golden State ended the last regular season with a 48–34 record and exited in the second round, which pointed out their need for more size, athleticism, and perimeter defense. Despite bringing in Jimmy Butler and going on a 23–7 run to make the playoffs, injuries to Curry and depth issues caused problems down the line. The front office is now making a strong effort to address these weaknesses—especially on the wings, where they faced the most matchup challenges. Provides top-notch defense but needs resources and a trading partner ready to take on contracts. It's easier and faster—he's a free agent without restrictions. Golden State can make a solid mid-level offer. While Detroit and Atlanta are potential buyers, the Warriors stand out as an attractive destination for contenders. Also Read: James Harden declines player option and intends to sign $81.5M Los Angeles Clippers deal The way Golden State is reshaping their wings combines a fierce approach with sensible choices. Targeting Herb Jones might lock in a strong defense, assuming the trade isn't overly expensive, while bringing in Nickeil Alexander-Walker would provide quick shooting and adaptability on both offense and defense. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
