Which teams are the biggest threats to sign Naz Reid from the Timberwolves?
By Will Eudy
2. Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers are in an interesting position this offseason. The franchise is desperate to keep Damian Lillard around so that they can stay in hypothetical contention for a championship. As such, they are doing everything possible to lure free agents like Naz Reid so Lillard will feel like staying in town is worth it.
Portland has opened up as a popular name for several players that could be on the move this summer. Even so, there is still skepticism as to who will actually sign there, given the city is not a big free agent destination.
But if the organization puts together an offer good enough and is able to lure Naz Reid away from Minnesota, it could be a solid on-court fit for him. The Blazers may be the only team on our list where Reid would not have a guaranteed starting spot, as Jusuf Nurkic would likely still start over him at the five. But he would still be in position to earn the most minutes of any player off the bench.
Reid was very effective this past season in Minnesota due to how his unique skillset offset that of Rudy Gobert. Whereas Gobert provides rim protection and rebounding, Reid brings shooting touch and spaces the floor. He would be able to bring a similar dynamic to the Blazers by filling in for Nurkic in certain lineups.
The Blazers’ roughly $40 million in cap space this offseason will make them a major contender in the Naz Reid sweepstakes.