There’s a saying in Minnesota: “Naz Reid.” It functions as a greeting, a joke, a word of understanding. It’s been immortalized on the very skin of countless Wolves fans, and in textile, on the Naz Reid beach towels. Reid represents the underdog, the manifestation of achieving your dreams. Naz Reid is now the proud recipient of a $125 million, five-year contract extension that will keep him in Minnesota Timberwolves colors for at least another half-decade. Here’s how he got to this point.
Timberwolves Ink Fan Favorite to Huge $125 Million Extension
Undrafted to Underpaid
In 2019, Reid’s name was not called during the NBA draft. His weight (255 pounds) and body fat (14%), the latter the highest among all combine participants, were genuine concerns. His position on the court was unclear. He was huge, 6-foot-9 and over 240 pounds, but with the handles of an agile guard. Those handles were the product of his upbringing. Coming up in New Jersey, he joined a collective called Jelly Fam,which was a group of hoopers who brought a new flair to the sport.
Rather than powerful slams and physical play, they emphasized finding new ways to get around defenders, both on the perimeter and at the rim. Notably, they got their name from a propensity to fake a dunk before gently laying the ball into the rim. Reid’s game, despite his size, was full of these crafty moves and earned him a two-way contract with Minnesota.
After a season of traveling between Minnesota and Iowa (home of the Timberwolves’ G League affiliate), Reid earned real minutes in his second season, the 2020-21 season. He continued to improve, averaging 11.5 points per game in the 2022-23 season. His contract was up; he could finally test the free agent market. But Minnesota was the team that had given him his first opportunity, where he earned the chance to even get a second NBA deal. He took a discounted price to stick with the Wolves. He signed a three-year, $42 million deal that allowed him to opt out after two seasons if he wanted to again try free agency.
There was talk around the league that teams like Brooklyn or Cleveland offered Reid more money, but he wanted to make his mark in Minnesota. He did more than that. In the first year of his new deal, he won Sixth Man of the Year, helping the Wolves reach the Western Conference Finals. The following year, he improved his scoring to a career high 14.2 points per game, despite only starting 17 games. His value was at an all-time high, and the Wolves were in a tricky situation financially.
Extension Keeps Timberwolves’ Young Core Intact
After the 2024-25 season, Reid declined his player option to test free agency. He had outplayed his $14 million annual salary and would seek a larger payday. One team that could afford to pay the big man was his hometown Brooklyn Nets. With tons of cap space, they could potentially offer more than the Wolves could match. But just a day after the NBA draft concluded, the Timberwolves announced that Reid was signing an extension that would keep him in Minnesota for at least four years, with a player option on the fifth season.
With an annual value of $25 million, Reid finally got that big raise he was looking for. More importantly, it signals a commitment to the young core in Minnesota. With Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels also under contract through the 2028-29 season, the Timberwolves have a guard, wing, and big, all 25 or younger, all locked in as they reach their prime. The Oklahoma City Thunder probably have the best young trio in the league. Minnesota may have just secured second place.
Reid’s Role in Crowded Frontcourt
Just two days prior to Reid’s extension, the Wolves made a first-round draft pick that shows a focus on the frontcourt of the future. 18-year-old Joan Beringer, a rangy, athletic 7-footer from France, was Minnesota’s selection. He will look to learn from fellow countryman Rudy Gobert, while Reid can certainly help him with his offensive game. However, Minnesota also has a predicament with forward Julius Randle. With Reid’s extension, there’s not much money left under the second apron, which will bring with it a huge tax bill, among other penalties. Reid is making NBA starter money now, so will Randle be a part of the team’s future? Could he be flipped for a point guard? While questions remain, one thing is for certain: Naz Reid.
Featured image: © Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
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