Heat Miss Out on Yet Another Offseason Target originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Miami Heat’s offseason frustrations continue to pile up. This time, it’s Nickeil Alexander-Walker slipping through their fingers.
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According to Shams Charania, the 26-year-old guard has agreed to a four-year, $62 million deal with the Atlanta Hawks, a contract that includes a player option and trade kicker. The deal was finalized as part of a sign-and-trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves, who received a future second-round pick and cash in return.
Alexander-Walker had been on Miami’s radar as a potential backcourt upgrade, an athletic, two-way wing who could bring defensive versatility and secondary playmaking to a roster in transition. But once again, the Heat stood pat while another team made the aggressive move.
Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra reacts during a timeout against the Boston Celtics.© Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
This marks the latest in a string of near-misses for Miami, who have now struck out on Kevin Durant, Walter Clayton Jr., and now Alexander-Walker—all in the span of a few weeks. With Jimmy Butler gone and the franchise retooling, fans were hoping for a splash. Instead, they’re watching other teams get better.
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Alexander-Walker is coming off a career year in Minnesota, where he averaged 9.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists while shooting 38.1% from three. He also played in all 82 games for the second straight season and was a key contributor during the Timberwolves’ run to the Western Conference Finals.
For Atlanta, the move adds another versatile piece to a retooled roster that already includes Kristaps Porzingis, Dyson Daniels, and Zaccharie Risacher. For Miami, it’s another reminder that standing still in today’s NBA is the same as falling behind.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 1, 2025, where it first appeared.