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Wolves' $9 Million Guard Drew Trade Interest From the Magic

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Reign Amurao | Last updated Jun 4, 2025 10:52 PM ET

The Orlando Magic doesn't have the best backcourt. It proved to be a problem in the 2025 NBA playoffs when they didn't have their starting point guard, Jalen Suggs. The two-way guard dealt with a knee injury that required him to undergo surgery in March. It also ruled him out of the 2024-25 season.

The backup guards, Cole Anthony and Anthony Black, took the opportunity to be productive. Even veteran guard Cory Joseph had his chance as the Magic tried to experiment with their rotation late in the campaign.

In the playoffs, head coach Jamahl Mosley opted to have Joseph as the starting lead guard.

Heading into the offseason, NBA insider Marc Stein reported that the Magic are looking to address their backcourt depth. One of the players the team has targeted is Minnesota Timberwolves guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker.

However, this isn't the first time the Magic have shown interest in the upcoming unrestricted free agent. Michael Scotto reported via Hoops Hype that the franchise attempted to trade for the $9 million shooting guard.

"Thus, having to pay Randle and Reid has many teams across the league with the non-taxpayer mid-level exception licking their chops to make a run at Alexander-Walker," Scotto wrote. "Including the Orlando Magic, who made a run at trying to acquire him before the trade deadline, HoopsHype has learned."

Although the 6-foot-5 guard isn't the guard who could produce like Suggs, his ability to play well on both ends has been his calling card. Over the past two seasons, Alexander-Walker has played 82 games for the Wolves. He's also been a significant part of the team's playoff success.

Last season, he averaged 9.4 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.7 assists on 38.1% from deep.

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

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