MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Timberwolves have locked up a key piece of their roster, as Naz Reid has agreed to a five-year, $125 million contract extension, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
The move ensures that Reid, the 2024 Sixth Man of the Year, will remain with the Timberwolves for the foreseeable future, adding stability to a team that has made back-to-back appearances in the Western Conference Finals.
Reid Declines Player Option for Extension
As part of the deal, Reid will decline his $15 million player option for the upcoming season. This was expected, as several teams were reportedly interested in the 25-year-old big man, with some even offering a starting role.
According to Charania, there was a “vibrant market” developing for Reid, with Detroit being one of the teams linked to him, as they seek a stretch big man.
However, only the Brooklyn Nets had the cap space to make a similar offer at the time of writing, though other teams could create room if they were interested.
Reid’s Performance and Impact
Reid had an impressive season with the Timberwolves, averaging 14.2 points and 6 rebounds per game while shooting 37.9% from three-point range.
His ability to space the floor has been a valuable asset for Minnesota, especially as a complement to the defensive-minded starting center, Rudy Gobert. Reid’s scoring and shooting ability provided the Timberwolves with an offensive spark off the bench, and he delivered several key performances during the team’s playoff runs.
Future Moves for Minnesota
While securing Reid for the long term is a big win for the Timberwolves, they still have other important decisions to make regarding their big men. Minnesota is currently faced with the challenge of deciding on Julius Randle, who has a $30.9 million player option for the upcoming season.
Randle is also reportedly seeking an extension, and the Timberwolves have until Sunday to make a decision on his future with the team.
Reid’s contract extension is a major move for the Timberwolves, ensuring that a key contributor to their playoff success stays with the team.
With his ability to stretch the floor and provide scoring off the bench, Reid has proven to be an important piece of Minnesota’s roster. The Timberwolves will now shift their focus to other key decisions, including their potential future with Julius Randle.
