Naz Reid. Those two words elicit a lot of emotions in Minnesota. Reid became one of the most beloved figures in Minnesota sports history after playing seven seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Of course, the partnership came to a conclusion in June when Reid was traded to the Charlotte Hornets in a deal that brought LaMelo Ball to the Wolves. A playmaker had been needed for some time, but in order to get one, they needed to deal the ultimate fan favorite.
Expect the loudest ovation—perhaps ever for a visiting NBA player—at the Target Center on January 29 for Reid.
Reid's return to the Target Center will be an emotional one
There are countless people in Minnesota with Naz Reid’s name tattooed on their bodies. He made a simple towel cool just because it displayed his name. Reid has come a long way from the player who entered the league out of shape, and he did some wonderful work in transforming his body.
Undrafted in 2019, Reid persevered against the odds to become one of the Timberwolves’ most productive players in team history. He ranks in the franchise’s all-time top 10 in numerous key categories, including games played (sixth), points (ninth), rebounds (seventh), blocks (fifth), and made 3-pointers (third).
Reid never complained publicly about coming off the bench and became one of the best reserves in the NBA. In 2023–24, he became the first Timberwolves player to win Sixth Man of the Year, and he finished fifth and fourth in voting the last two years. Despite starting just 34 games over the last three seasons, Reid knocked down at least 162 3-pointers in each of those years.
What is somewhat of a shame is that once Julius Randle was traded to the Brooklyn Nets, it looked as if Reid would finally get the opportunity to become a full-time starter in Minnesota. Not long after the Randle trade, though, came the deal with the Hornets. With both of those frontcourt members no longer rostered by the Wolves, it is still unclear as to who will be the starting power forward for them to begin the season.
Charlotte traded Miles Bridges this offseason, and that seems to ensure that Reid will have a starting role for his new team. If that’s the case, expect Reid to be the last name announced in Charlotte’s starting lineup on January 29, and expect the Timberwolves’ starting lineup announcement to be delayed because of the crowd’s reaction to someone they will always adore.
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