Timberwolves rumors: Who is new darkhorse to land Naz Reid?

We know that the Minnesota Timberwolves continue to stall at or just shy of crossing that .500 record. Right now, the Timberwolves have played 49 of 82 games, or 60 percent of the 2022-23 NBA season. Right now, the Timberwolves have amassed a record of 24-25, a record that is very disappointing to the team that headlined the NBA sports news in the offseason.

This was the team that planned to bring back the Twin Tower concept to the NBA and put its money where its mouth was by trading multiple picks and players to the Utah Jazz for All-Star center Rudy Gobert. On paper, the Timberwolves roster boasted Gobert paired up with All-Staff center/power forward Karl-Anthony Towns.

Unfortunately, Towns has played just 21 games for the Timberwolves. Gobert, while more durable, has only played 40 games for the Timberwolves. That means that the Timberwolves roster has been without one or both of their star bigs for 37 out of 98 playing opportunities this season. That’s one of the biggest reasons that this Timberwolves team continues to sputter whenever the team nears a record of more wins than losses.

Timberwolves rumors

The Minnesota Timberwolves have been a favorite team via rumors as the NBA Trade Deadline on February 9, 2023, approaches. The reason is that the Timberwolves could be viewed as either a buyer or seller at the deadline, as the team struggles to win games often enough to improve their chances of landing an NBA Playoff berth.

Because the team has failed to do so, the Timberwolves rumors have included the team considering trading several players on expiring contracts. The most frequent name mentioned among NBA Rumors earlier this season was that of PG D’Angelo Russell.

But the hottest Timberwolves rumors right now center (pun intended) on Minnesota Timberwolves backup center Naz Reid. His name has been linked to both the Denver Nuggets and the LA Clippers in recent days. In both cases, the scenario for the Timberwolves resulted in upgrading the backcourt and or perimeter defense, both areas are a dire need for the Timberwolves.

But look out for the Brooklyn Nets, a team that has aggressively pursued Timberwolves players in the past, and is now rumored to be inquiring about the chances to trade for Reid.

Does this make sense? For the Minnesota Timberwolves, the more the merrier. With three NBA teams rumored to be after Naz Reid, the chances of a bidding war is more and more likely. Bidding wars often translate to a team getting a premium package for the player.

The Timberwolves need help, and if that help comes in the form of players, players and picks, or draft picks, it’s all welcome to the Timberwolves. Will it help the Timberwolves turn the corner in time for the 2022-23 NBA season?

Perhaps not. But the Timberwolves have to start taking a long-term approach to this team.