As NBA Draft week approaches, the Minnesota Timberwolves are razor-focused on managing all their assets with as much precision as possible. They are no doubt getting plenty of calls regarding Karl-Anthony Towns, and each proposal from other teams is being carefully weighed and considered.
Of course, what they decide to do with Towns will have a direct impact on their most important free agent: Naz Reid. When NBA free agency officially begins on July 1, Reid will be eligible to sign a deal with a new team if he so chooses. The Timberwolves will be doing everything in their power to keep the skilled big man in Minnesota.
The kicker with Towns and Reid is that if the Wolves decide against moving their starting power forward, Reid will be unable to assume a larger role with the team, as he would not start over Towns. After the impressive showing he had this past season, it is likely he could find that larger opportunity by signing elsewhere.
Over the last several weeks, there have been a few teams rumored to have interest in signing Naz Reid. Based on each team’s situation and cap space, there are a few frontrunners that make more sense than the rest.
These teams are the biggest threats to sign Naz Reid:
1. Orlando Magic
The Magic finished 13th in the East in 2022-23 but managed to win 34 games in what proved to be a crowded middle of the conference. Their record may not reflect it, but Orlando looked like a playoff team for stretches throughout the season.
The Magic could be in the market for a dynamic player to put next to Paolo Banchero in the frontcourt, and Naz Reid would be an excellent fit. With Reid’s ability to space the floor, Banchero would have a ton of room to operate and would be in great position to build off his impressive rookie season.
Orlando may not have the most talented roster and Reid could certainly sign with a team closer to contending for a championship. But the Magic’s cap space this summer will be significant. If they end up waiving all their non-guaranteed players, they can create up to $58 million in total cap space.