Leading up to the 2023 trade deadline, there were widespread rumors that the Minnesota Timberwolves were receiving ample interest in rising star Naz Reid. Multiple contending teams like the Brooklyn Nets, Denver Nuggets, and Los Angeles Clippers inquired about the 23-year-old’s availability.
Reid was reaching the end of the four-year, $6 million contract he signed with Minnesota after going undrafted in 2019. Therefore, it would make sense that the Timberwolves would want to move him at the deadline. It didn’t seem like the Wolves had a need for Reid after trading for Rudy Gobert. However, once Karl-Anthony Towns went down with a right calf strain that kept him out for 52 games, Reid’s value on the team became obvious.
“He was great, he was really good,” Chris Finch said when asked about Reid’s impact following a 27-point, 13-rebound effort against the Dallas Mavericks. “He was up, he was active, he had great hands, he did a great job at recovering. Really, really pleased, again, with him. Whatever we ask him to do, he just keeps delivering.”
It didn’t matter what role Reid was in all season long, he was able to impact winning in all areas of the game. However, once Towns returned to the lineup in late March, I was curious about the role he’d have going forward.
After Towns’ return, Reid was only active for four games before he missed the rest of the season. He broke his left wrist on a fall during the Phoenix Suns game on March 29.
Through those four games, Naz averaged 20.5 points and 6 rebounds on 58% from the floor and 50% from three in 22.6 minutes per game. Despite the decreased playing time, Reid still impacted winning at a very high level. The Wolves missed his high-energy production during their postseason run. It has led everyone to realize the importance that Reid has to Minnesota’s future core.
Tim Connelly spoke highly of Reid during his end-of-season exit interview:
I think it’s really neat that Naz has reached this point – to going from being undrafted, to a coveted guy, he’s coveted because of strong play and the work he’s put in the gym, the guy’s always here. And I think we are going to be an organization that’s going to reward guys that do right by the organization. He came here, got himself in better shape, he’s gotten better as a player each and every year. We’re fingers crossed that he’s going to be here for a long, long time. He loves the coaching staff, he loves the city. Sometimes I think you have to be cognizant of how important familiarity is both with player and staff. We’ve been working pretty hard to try to figure out something more long-term for Naz. Hopefully, that thing gets done sooner rather than later.
Not only does Minnesota’s front office think highly of Reid, but so do his teammates.
It’s obvious that everyone around Reid within the Timberwolves organization would love to not only see him return next season but also be a part of the team for many years to come. However, Reid will ultimately decide if he comes back, and there will be a slew of teams who will be willing to offer him a hefty contract and a larger role than what the Wolves may be able to accomplish.
It seems like Reid is very committed to this franchise, and building success here. However, with the Wolves being tied up with their Twin Towers, Reid may just realize that a better opportunity waits for him elsewhere.
