At lunchtime Saturday, Jake reported that Detroit has emerged as a team with interest in joining the race for Nickeil Alexander-Walker. On Sunday morning? Based on the Intel we’ve gathered, The Stein Line is being advised to describe the Pistons and Atlanta as the two strongest contenders to come to terms with two-way guard after free agency commences for real Monday night at 6 PM ET.
Source: Marc Stein @ marcstein.substack.com
Source: Marc Stein @ marcstein.substack.com
What’s the buzz on Twitter?
Yossi Gozlan @YossiGozlan
The Pistons and Hawks are well-positioned to sign Nickeil Alexander-Walker with offers that exceed the $14.1 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception.
However, there are a couple of differences in terms of contract structure that could matter.
Here are the differences 🧵: pic.x.com/hPh2IYohRE – 1:44 PM
The Pistons and Hawks are well-positioned to sign Nickeil Alexander-Walker with offers that exceed the $14.1 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception.
However, there are a couple of differences in terms of contract structure that could matter.
Here are the differences 🧵: pic.x.com/hPh2IYohRE – 1:44 PM
Michael Scotto @MikeAScotto
Sources: Pistons gauging trade market on Simone Fontecchio (expiring $8.3M). With Malik Beasley’s gambling investigation, Kings to pursue Dennis Schroder, if DET loses Tim Hardaway Jr, & a Fontecchio trade, DET may create $24M in space to pursue Nickeil Alexander-Walker & others. – 1:11 PM
Sources: Pistons gauging trade market on Simone Fontecchio (expiring $8.3M). With Malik Beasley’s gambling investigation, Kings to pursue Dennis Schroder, if DET loses Tim Hardaway Jr, & a Fontecchio trade, DET may create $24M in space to pursue Nickeil Alexander-Walker & others. – 1:11 PM
Yossi Gozlan @YossiGozlan
ICYMI
@SamQuinnCBS and I just discussed:
🔴 Lonzo Ball for Isaac Okoro
🔵 Naz Reid re-signing
🔴Sam Merrill re-signing
🔴 Davion Mitchell re-signing
🔴 Pistons opening up cap space for Nickeil Alexander-Walker?
🟣 Where do the Lakers go from here?
🟢 Anfernee Simons teams pic.x.com/L7t48MpHFI – 11:02 PM
ICYMI
@SamQuinnCBS and I just discussed:
🔴 Lonzo Ball for Isaac Okoro
🔵 Naz Reid re-signing
🔴Sam Merrill re-signing
🔴 Davion Mitchell re-signing
🔴 Pistons opening up cap space for Nickeil Alexander-Walker?
🟣 Where do the Lakers go from here?
🟢 Anfernee Simons teams pic.x.com/L7t48MpHFI – 11:02 PM
More on this storyline
Jon Krawczynski: This deal does mean that NAW will be headed elsewhere. Wolves have people behind him ready for a shot and they’re going to get it -via Twitter @JonKrawczynski / June 29, 2025
Chris Herrington: Rumor season, but hard to see path to Grizz signing/acquiring Jerome or NAW that fits with JJJ extension, which they’re definitely trying to do. Not sure freeing up Aldama cap hold does it. Maybe a 3-team deal with Anthony going out, but I suspect they’ll need that for JJJ room. -via x.com / June 29, 2025