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Hawks Dealt Major News as NBA Free Agency Starts on Monday
© Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

As NBA free agency gets underway, the Atlanta Hawks have positioned themselves to make a statement, but the key news surfaced only after Monday’s tip‑off. 

In a significant move that emerged in the second wave of deals, free agent Nickeil Alexander‑Walker has agreed to a four‑year, $62 million contract with the Hawks, including a player option and trade kicker, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.

The deal arrived via sign‑and‑trade with Minnesota. The Hawks are sending a 2027 second‑round pick (originally from Cleveland) plus cash to secure the wing.

Alexander‑Walker, 26, brings versatility and consistency to Atlanta’s rotation. Last season with the Timberwolves, he averaged 9.4 PPG, 3.2 RPG, and 2.7 APG, while shooting 38.1% from three, and started 10 of 82 games.

He’s known for strong perimeter defense, playing all 82 games for two straight seasons, and improving playmaking, which should benefit Hawks head coach Quin Snyder’s backcourt alongside Trae Young.

This addition preserves the Hawks’ full mid‑level exception (about $14.1 million), positioned smartly via their existing trade exception from last year’s Dejounte Murray deal. 

Financially, Atlanta remains $18.5 million under the luxury tax, keeping flexibility for further roster enhancements.

The signing follows Atlanta’s aggressive offseason, which already included the Kristaps Porziņģis trade and a one‑year, $11 million deal with sharpshooter Luke Kennard. 

Young played a key role in recruiting both, reportedly reaching out personally to Alexander‑Walker to pitch the Hawks’ vision.

With this move, Atlanta strengthens its wing depth, perimeter defense, and shooting, putting the Hawks among the early movers in the Eastern Conference as free agency officially opened. 

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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