Magic May Poach Timberwolves Free Agent

Led by 22-year-old Paolo Banchero and 23-year-old Franz Wagner, the Orlando Magic are wondering just how they’ll be the latest upstart  to make a deep run in the NBA Playoffs. The elephant in the room is their lack of a consistent third option on offense. In fact, with Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland has recently been rumored to be a trade target for the Floridian franchise.

With being said, the moves that the Magic make in the margins could be the difference-makers as well.

Magic May Poach Timberwolves Free Agent Nickeil Alexander-Walker

Orlando’s point guard group wasn’t the only one that disappointed in 2024-25. Actually, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was arguably the most underwhelming player on the roster. After prying him away from the Denver Nuggets last summer, Caldwell-Pope was expected to be above-average 3-and-D wing who could provide championship experience.

The 32-year-old did provide those intangibles. He also helped the Magic be a top-tier defense, ranking first in opponents points per game (105.5) and second in defensive rating (109.6). However, he shot just 34.2 percent from 3, his lowest mark since 2015-16.

Given Caldwell-Pope’s subpar performance, it’s no wonder that they’re being linked to Minnesota Timberwolves free agent Nickeil Alexander-Walker.

“Next season’s full midlevel exception will be worth more than three times what Nickeil Alexander-Walker made last season at $14.1 million… with rumbles already in circulation that Orlando is a team to watch as a potential suitor,” reports The Stein Line insider Marc Stein.

Y-E-S To N-A-W

Alexander-Walker is primarily regarded as an upper echelon perimeter defender. As that’s where the Magic hang their hat, he’s already a culture fit. At 26 years old, he also fits the timeline set by their franchise cornerstones.