Heat Miss Out on Yet Another Offseason Target

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Taylor Hartman | Last updated Jun 30, 2025 10:42 PM ET

The Miami Heat’s offseason frustrations continue to pile up. This time, it’s Nickeil Alexander-Walker slipping through their fingers.

According to Shams Charania, the 26-year-old guard has agreed to a four-year, $62 million deal with the Atlanta Hawks, a contract that includes a player option and trade kicker. The deal was finalized as part of a sign-and-trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves, who received a future second-round pick and cash in return.

Alexander-Walker had been on Miami’s radar as a potential backcourt upgrade, an athletic, two-way wing who could bring defensive versatility and secondary playmaking to a roster in transition. But once again, the Heat stood pat while another team made the aggressive move.

This marks the latest in a string of near-misses for Miami, who have now struck out on Kevin Durant, Walter Clayton Jr., and now Alexander-Walker—all in the span of a few weeks. With Jimmy Butler gone and the franchise retooling, fans were hoping for a splash. Instead, they’re watching other teams get better.

Alexander-Walker is coming off a career year in Minnesota, where he averaged 9.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists while shooting 38.1% from three. He also played in all 82 games for the second straight season and was a key contributor during the Timberwolves’ run to the Western Conference Finals.

For Atlanta, the move adds another versatile piece to a retooled roster that already includes Kristaps Porzingis, Dyson Daniels, and Zaccharie Risacher. For Miami, it’s another reminder that standing still in today’s NBA is the same as falling behind.

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

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