By all accounts, the upcoming NBA free-agent class is lackluster, at best.
A handful of top names, like LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, Julius Randle and James Harden, are expected to stay put with their current teams, and the more interesting young names–Jonathan Kuminga and Josh Giddey among them–are restricted, making them difficult to pursue.
“You’re mostly looking at role players,” one general manager said. “The real action will be with trades, but if you have free-agent money to spend, you’re probably going to get a rotation guy for your bench.”
One of the top bench-rotation guys on the market figures to be 3-and-D guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who averaged 9.8 points and shot 38.1% from the 3-point line in 25.3 minutes for the West finalists. His combination of shooting ability and defensive skill gave him a plus-3.5 on-off rating, among the best on the Wolves.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (9) reacts against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first half during game four of the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center.
Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
The timing, then, is very good for Alexander-Walker to be a free agent. And if any team is lined up to land him, the betting favorite appears to be the Lakers. That’s according to the offshore gambling site Bovada, which lists the Lakers as a plus-235 to land NAW.
It might not be the smartest bet. Though the Lakers could have their full $14 million mid-level exception on hand this summer, which should be enough to land Alexander-Walker, expect their focus to be on bringing in a big man. They could do that via trade, though, and still bring in a wing like Alexander-Walker. But shelling out for a center without losing assets is Plan A.
He reported: “Alexander-Walker is bound to generate the most significant external interest of the three — especially coming off a season in which he earned just $4.3 million. Next season’s full midlevel exception will be worth more than three times what 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.”
The Lakers may be the favorite. Proceed with caution, though.
