Minnesota Timberwolves learned from three NBA teams before making ‘tough choice’ about one star, ‘that was rough’

Allowing Nickeil Alexander-Walker to leave was ‘rough’, but needed, says Minnesota Timberwolves executive

Over the last two-and-a-half seasons, Nickeil Alexander-Walker earned key minutes off the bench for the Timberwolves.

As a result, Alexander-Walker was eligible for a lucrative deal this offseason. However, if the T-Wolves had signed him to a new deal, they would have gone over the second apron.

Thus, the franchise allowed him to walk for free and sign a four-year, $62 million contract with the Atlanta Hawks. A Timberwolves executive recently shed light on the reasoning behind that move.

“Yeah, that was rough. But when you are up over that second apron, you have to make tough choices, right? We saw it with Boston, Phoenix, and Milwaukee the last couple of years,” they told Spotrac.

“I guess it was our turn. But when a door closes, another one opens. We’ve got some guys who will benefit from stepping into more minutes, and we’re excited about that,” they further added.

As the executive mentioned, the Boston Celtics recently had to break up their core of stars to avoid the luxury tax. They did so by trading Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis.

Similarly, the Phoenix Suns parted ways with Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal to get under the second apron. As for the Timberwolves, they are currently $6 million under the second apron with two roster spots open.

Staying under the second apron is ‘not a mandate,’ per Minnesota Timberwolves executive

Alexander-Walker had back-to-back seasons playing all 82 games during the regular season while averaging 8.7 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game for the Wolves.

Losing a player of his caliber off the bench is certainly a huge blow, but could the Timberwolves have kept him on the roster?

“It’s not a mandate or anything. It’s something we’re conscious of, though. We want to be mindful of not putting too many burdens on ourselves as we move down the line.

“But if the right move is there, and we have to add some salary, then we’ll add some salary. We’re all on the same page there,” another Timberwolves executive stated.

In simple terms, the Timberwolves’ front office made the decision with their future in mind rather than the immediate present.