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Naz Reid's desire should terrify Timberwolves fans

Naz Reid made it clear he wants a bigger role.
ByEamon Cassels|
May 20, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid (11) looks down the court during a time out against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the fourth quarter during game one of the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
May 20, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid (11) looks down the court during a time out against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the fourth quarter during game one of the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images | Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Naz Reid's pending free agency has been a concern for the Minnesota Timberwolves and their fans all season long. This offseason, Reid has a $15 million player option that he's all but certain to opt out of. With Reid, Julius Randle, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker all being free agents, it's unlikely the Wolves can re-sign all three players. It's possible the Wolves get priced out of Naz.

Recently, Reid candidly said he sees himself as a starter but won't rule out a return to Minnesota, noting that to be in a winning position you have to sacrifice. After these comments, the possibility of Reid leaving seems higher and Wolves fans should be concerned.

Of course, players can't say something like I don't want to come back, or I'm looking for a new team. However, the original question was if returning as the sixth man is a large enough, and he immediately responded with “It could be, I'm not completely ruling it out.” That's about as close to no it's not as Reid could have said. Reid's comments make it seem like he's ready for a bigger role, elsewhere.

Reid is vital to the Timberwolves' success

Reid's floor spacing and shot creation make him a crucial part of the Wolves' success. Having a player who can space the floor and generate offense next to Anthony Edwards is necessary for the Wolves. The 2023-24 Sixth Man of the Year gives the Wolves a needed spark off the bench and even keeps the offense afloat at times. Reid's secondary playmaking and ball handling abilities are also key. He averaged 14.2 points, 6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists on 46.2/37.9/77.6 shooting splits.

The Timberwolves are likely to bring back Randle and Rudy Gobert making it difficult for Reid to earn a starting role. However, it's possible the Wolves let Randle walk with the hopes of landing Kevin Durant via trade. In this scenario, Reid could earn a starting spot. If they bring Randle back, it's possible, albeit not super likely, that the Wolves bench Gobert in favor of Reid. This possibility would be to satisfy Reid's desire and go all in on building an elite offense.

Reid's free agency decision is complex

Reid's aspiration for a bigger role is understandable. He has been one of the best sixth men over the past few years and would start on most teams. Given that Reid could earn more money and bigger role from another team, it's reasonable for him to leave Minnesota. Regardless, losing him would be devastating for the Wolves.

Furthermore, most of the teams with cap space and likely interest in Reid wouldn't offer the same chance to compete for a title. While the Wolves might not give Reid a chance to start, he is a still a key contributor on one of the league's best teams. Ultimately, Reid's free agency decision will likely come down to what he values winning, or a bigger role and more money, this will undoubtedly be a key story of the Wolves offseason.

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