Naz Reid Signs Lucrative Contract with Timberwolves
Naz Reid, a forward for the Minnesota Timberwolves, has reportedly finalized a lucrative agreement to remain with the team as he signs a five-year contract valued at $125 million. This was confirmed by ESPN’s Shams Charania. Rather than opting for a $15 million player option that was available to him, Reid and the Timberwolves reached a deal aimed at securing his long-term future with the franchise.
Reid’s Breakout Performance
The new contract marks a significant milestone for Reid, who has emerged as a key player for the Timberwolves after earning the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award for his standout performance in the 2023-24 season. The 6-foot-9, 264-pound player not only enjoyed his breakout year but continued to impress by averaging career highs of 14.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in approximately 27.5 minutes per game. His contributions have been vital to the Timberwolves’ recent successes, including their consecutive trips to the Western Conference Finals.
Versatility and Impact on Gameplay
Reid’s evolution into one of the league’s top bench players has been remarkable. He is known for his versatility as a stretch big, seamlessly playing both power forward and center alongside a mix of teammates like Rudy Gobert, Karl-Anthony Towns, and others. His ability to shoot from the perimeter, push the pace, and finish drives to the basket allows for greater spacing on offense, significantly enhancing the gameplay of star guard Anthony Edwards.
Moreover, Reid’s skill set provides the flexibility for the Timberwolves to experiment with various lineups, whether it be utilizing a twin-towers setup or adopting a small-ball approach without compromising on defense. While he may not be widely recognized as a dominant rim protector, his athleticism and quickness have positioned him as an effective switch defender, contributing to the Timberwolves’ defensive efficiency throughout his six-year career.
Coaching Praise and Future Potential
Head coach Chris Finch praised Reid for his excellent defensive capabilities, emphasizing how he generates transition opportunities. “Naz has been outstanding on defense. He has handled diverse matchups, significantly contributing to our transitions and overall gameplay,” Finch said in a winter press conference in 2024.
In the previous season, Reid joined an elite group of just seven players across the entire NBA who managed to record over 150 three-pointers, assists, and also tallied 50 blocks and steals, a list that includes MVP candidates like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, James Harden, and Kevin Durant. This places Reid in impressive company, especially as he approaches his 26th birthday this August, entering the prime years of his career and still with ample room for growth.
Commitment to Improvement
Tim Connelly, Timberwolves president of basketball operations, highlighted Reid’s work ethic and dedication to the sport, noting how far he has come since joining the team as an undrafted free agent in 2019. Connelly stated, “To see where Naz was years ago compared to now is a testament to his relentless commitment to improvement and maintaining his physical condition. Having players like Naz is essential as we build a strong culture within our team and strive for success.”
