Trading Naz Reid to the Charlotte Hornets always brought mixed emotions to Minnesota Timberwolves fans. On the one hand, Minnesota solved its biggest need by trading for a star point guard. Conversely, the Timberwolves parted ways with the ultimate fan favorite who was primed to earn a starting role for the first time in his career.
Regardless of how the LaMelo Ball era plays out (I think it will be a grand success), Wolves fans will understandably always wonder what would've happened had they kept Reid. These emotions will only become more complex for Wolves fans if Reid has a breakout season with the Hornets.
To be clear, fans will always be rooting for Reid, but if he breaks out, they might start to view the trade less favorably. And given the context of Charlotte's roster, that's a clear possibility.
Naz Reid might be poised for a breakout season
Reid has long been one of the most productive bench players in the league. Last season, he averaged 13.6 points, and of course, he won the Sixth Man of the Year award in the 2023-24 season. Due to his combination of size and skill, though, it's possible (maybe even likely) that Reid will reach another level.
Let's say he truly levels up to a fringe 20 ppg scorer; that could really give Wolves fans some mixed emotions (even if Ball is a clear fit).
The Hornets have a thin frontcourt. Reid is the clear starting power forward, but behind him are rookie Hannes Steinchabch and veteran Grant Williams. Moussa Diabate and Ryan Kalkbrenner are a solid, albeit not dominant, center duo.
The point is that Reid is primed not just to be a starter, but to earn heavy minutes for the first time in his career. Reid is also a perfect fit in Charles Lee's system, which prioritizes 3-point shooting and quick decision-making.
While the Timberwolves used Reid's extra creation and skill at times, he was mainly used as a play-finisher. Could the Hornets unlock more of Reid's shot creation? It's certainly possible.
A breakout season from Reid could change how the LaMelo trade is viewed
Look, I think the LaMelo trade was a great move. But you never know how things work out, and Ball's injury history presents a clear risk.
The process of this trade will always be defensible to me, but if Ball's injury problems get in the way of Minnesota's success and Reid has a breakout season, fans might turn on this trade. Admittedly, as of now, there's a major gap between Ball and Reid.
However, there's a chance that Reid can close that gap, which, paired with some of the picks included (even if most are swaps), could change how this move is viewed.
Trading Reid left the team with a clear void at the power forward position, one that they have yet to address. This flaw may come back to haunt the Wolves. As such, if Reid has a breakout season, Timberwolves fans could be left wondering "what-if" even if LaMelo proves to be a picture-perfect fit.
Last offseason, letting Nickeil Alexander-Walker leave to duck the second apron felt like the right move. It backfired, though, as NAW won the Most Improved Player award. The prospect of a second player in a row reaching new individual heights after leaving Minnesota adds another layer of complexity to the possibility of a Reid breakout season, especially considering his popularity among the fan base.
At the end of the day, Timberwolves fans will always adore Reid, but a breakout season from him could present some mixed feelings about the trade.
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