The Detroit Pistons are officially in offseason mode after being eliminated from the 2024-25 NBA playoffs by the New York Knicks last week. The early elimination was disappointing, no doubt, but the Pistons' exceeding all expectations this year has left the fans excited to see what the upcoming NBA offseason has in store for the Motor City.
The backcourt is one area the Pistons will be looking to address this summer. After all, Detroit could potentially lose a good chunk of its guard depth this offseason as veterans Tim Hardaway Jr., Malik Beasley, and Dennis Schroder are set to hit free agency. Although there's time to re-sign the trio, there's a chance one, two, or even all three won't be back next season.
With that in mind, the Pistons are likely already thinking about backup plans in case of a potential exit. Fortunately, the perfect solution to their backcourt needs will be available after he wraps up his current postseason run.
Pistons Must Target Nickeil Alexander-Walker After NBA Playoffs
Several players whose playoff hopes are still alive will become free agents in the offseason, including Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker.
Alexander-Walker is a 26-year-old veteran who was drafted 17th overall by the Brooklyn Nets in 2019. The former Virginia Tech product's draft rights were traded to the Atlanta Hawks before his rookie campaign ever began, only to be flipped again to the New Orleans Pelicans after that.
The two-way Canadian guard displayed a solid balance of offense and defense throughout his time with the Pelicans and Utah Jazz before landing with the Timberwolves ahead of the 2023 trade deadline. Alexander-Walker has since played 187 games (30 starts) in a Minnesota uniform, averaging 8.4 points, 2.5 assists, 2.5 rebounds, 0.7 steals, and .433/.384/.770 shooting splits.
Unsurprisingly, Alexander-Walker's stellar play with the Timberwolves will likely lead to a pay raise this summer after making just over $4.3 million this season. Having said that, the Pistons can make things work if they're willing to let any combination of their pending UFA guards walk in July.
Although some fans might be sad to see a beloved veteran leave town, sacrifices are necessary to get to the next level.
With a mixture of reliable defense and floor-stretching abilities, Alexander-Walker is the perfect target to help strengthen the Pistons' backcourt. He's a better defender than Hardaway, Beasley, and Schroder, so it might be worth sacrificing one of the trio's offensive upside if it means making opponents have a tougher time scoring from the outside.
The Pistons have a promising backcourt outlook with Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey leading the charge, and Alexander-Walker's presence would help make the duo's life easier defensively. He'd be welcome on any championship contender, which is why Detroit can't risk losing the Timberwolves guard to another suitor this summer.