Timberwolves are poached? Walker has become a hot commodity in the free market, and salary pressure may make it difficult for the Wolves to keep people

On June 1, the NBA free agent market is about to open, and all teams have begun to look for their favorite targets. According to well-known journalist Marc Stein, the Orlando Magic have developed a strong interest in Minnesota Timberwolves defender Nick Alexander Walker and may become one of the strong suitors of the defensive savvy.

Alexander Walker switched from the Utah Jazz to the Timberwolves in a 2023 tripartite deal. In the two seasons after joining, he quickly became an indispensable key rotation player on the team's bench, and his performance was stable and reliable.

The 26-year-old defender has performed efficiently this season. He has been able to contribute 8.7 points, 2.6 assists and 2.6 rebounds per game average. More importantly, his shooting efficiency is quite good, with an overall shooting percentage of 43.8%, an extra-three-point shooting percentage of 38.6%, and a free throw shooting percentage of 78.7%. Walker not only contributed to the offensive end, but also was a vanguard in the Timberwolves' outside defense, and was known for his fierce ball-holding defense. What is even more commendable is that he is extremely "hard" and has maintained full attendance in the past two seasons and has never missed a game. He is a veritable "Iron Man".

The Timberwolves certainly want to keep such a player with both offense and defense and high attendance rates in the team. But the team is in big trouble now - their total salary this season has far exceeded the "second tyrant line" set by the league, which means that the team will face very strict restrictions and huge financial pressure in contract renewal and signing. This undoubtedly gives other teams the opportunity to poach.

Alexander Walker has just completed a contract with an annual salary of only $4.3 million, and his salary has never exceeded 5 million in a single season so far in his career. However, with his outstanding performance in the past two seasons, especially elite-level defense and reliable three-point shooting, he is about to usher in his first "big contract" in his career. As early as February this year, reporter Jake Fischer reported that some executives within the league predicted that Walker's annual salary for the next contract could hit $20 million, nearly four times the previous one!

For the Magic team with relatively healthy salary space, players like Alexander Walker who have both combat power, defensive hardness, outside shooting and durability are undoubtedly their ideal candidate for improving the depth and defensive strength of the backcourt. Whether the Timberwolves can overcome huge salary barriers and keep this favorite player, and whether the Magic can successfully "grab people" will become a major highlight of the free agent market this summer.