Timberwolves big man Naz Reid, who just completed his fourth NBA season, recently spoke to Chris Hine of The Star Tribune about his priorities ahead of unrestricted free agency. Financial considerations will play an important factor, but the 23-year-old says it’s not the end-all-be-all.
“I just want to be put in the best fit,” Reid said. “Obviously money plays a part, but I definitely want to be able to develop in a situation where I’m used to the best of my abilities. A place where I’m able to do things that I could do.”
Hine followed up by asking if Reid thought the Wolves could optimize his abilities, and he said they could. As Hine writes, Reid has been working out in Minnesota the past few weeks after having the cast removed from his left wrist. Reid’s season was cut short in late March following the wrist fracture, so he was unavailable for the postseason.
In April, president of basketball operations Tim Connelly expressed hope that the Wolves would be able to reach a long-term agreement with Reid, who is extension-eligible, and the two sides have had regular discussions about a new deal, with Hine referring to those conversations as “productive and amicable.” Still, Reid intends to test his value on the open market, and says the opportunity to land a starting job — which Minnesota can’t currently provide with Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert on the roster — will be a priority.
“I really value that as a person, as a player, because I feel like I worked to that potential,” Reid said. “But with my unique situation, it can go great either way, coming off the bench or starting. Whatever situation is presented. But for sure, I would prioritize that.”
Reid averaged career highs in multiple categories in 2022/23, including points (11.5), rebounds (4.9) and field goal percentage (53.7%) in 68 games (18.4 minutes per night). However, he was out of the rotation at times to start the season before Towns suffered a major calf injury. Reid ended the season on a strong note, with a larger offensive role off the bench with Towns and Gobert healthy. Would that type of role appeal to him?
“I wouldn’t mind it,” Reid told Hine. “Whatever we can do for me to be back in Minnesota would be lovely, but I also feel like I’ve grown to a higher role or situation than I was in, in the beginning of the year.
“I’m pretty sure everybody else would agree as well. As the time goes on, the years go by, you look for a higher role, better situations than you were in if you’ve obviously outgrown them. So, I would love to stay back in Minnesota, but it’s just like we got to find a position for it.”
It’s an interesting interview from Hine, with Reid also talking about growing “closer and closer” with Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels, two young franchise cornerstones who have been trying to sell Reid on returning. Both Edwards and McDaniels are eligible for rookie scale extensions this summer.
New York doesn’t currently need a center, with Mitchell Robinson, Isaiah Hartenstein and Jericho Sims all under contract next season. However, Ian Begley of SNY.tv reports that Reid has a “significant amount of fans” within the Knicks organization, and says he’s worth monitoring in the event they decide to trade Robinson or Hartenstein.
Everybody wants Naz with their MLE so he will have his choosing. Per the article I get unless Kat or Rudy get dished that’s not going to be Min
Wouldn’t mind SAS using some Cap to top those exceptions- He’d make a great mate w VW
He is going to get more than the MLE. I see him getting a 3 year deal over $10 million a year. He fits the Kings very well. watch him get a nice deal from a team needing a big man.
According to reports, the Timberwolves expect to lose Reid in free agency even though they own his Bird Rights.
Lakers should make an offer
4-year $80 million
My Lakers plan
Chris Paul Vet Min
Rui 4-year $40MM (pay cut)
Reaves 4-year $60MM (pay cut)
Lakers will have hard enough time signing their own players.
Warriors sign and trade involving Poole?
Minnesota could use the scoring. Golden State could use the size.
Naz deserves a big pay day and increased role…
Unless the Wolves move Towns or Gobert he’s just stuck waiting for an injury…
Naz Reid for Evan Fouriner vis sign and trade
Fouriner and Gobert being from France, he could be good for them off the bench.
Cutting Conley helps free up some of the money and trading KAT would also help get more pieces.
For example Trae Young and Okungwu for KAT and Anderson. (Anderson and Gobert beef and then the need for a back up centre)
Fill out the bench with guys on the vets min and using the MLE and other exceptions.
Some names, Sekoyu Doumbouya, Theo Maledon, Kevin Love, Pat Beverly and Jalen McDaniels.
Of those names I’d get Sekoyu (2way), McDaniels, KLove and Pat Bev.
Trae ANT McDaniels McDaniels Gobert
Bev Fouriner … KLove Okungwu
Still have guys like McLaughlin, Nowell, Moore and Minott.
best fit is in minny with KAnT (the big puss, sorry, purr) gone.
Never ever will understand the Gobert trade when they had Naz as a young and improving young player.
Hope they trade Kat and sign Naz. Always liked him.
Just wish Naz’s defense was better.
If Reid is so fantastic, then why did the Timberpuppies handcuff themselves for the next 6 years by trading away 4 proven players, 5 Future First Round Draft Choices (this includes 2022 pick #22, CENTER Walker Kessler) for a 30 YO player who most likely won’t even be playing in 6 years. Seems like the light bulb should have gone off long ago the the problem was not/is not the players that have been surrounding KAT; the problem is KAT.
To put it simply, for this team, in this situation, KAT is a DOG.
Told you from day one. It was insane paying top dollar. For the same position. Plus they are not a good fit. I should’ve been a GM …
Minny should trade Rudy to Nets …
Why would Knicks want Reid. Makes no sense. Hartenstein is not getting traded. And even if we move Mitch. Sims can just step in. Why must Knicks be in every trade.