Naz Reid, Julius Randle, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker are all key free agents for the Minnesota Timberwolves. As a result, the Wolves have a crucial offseason ahead of them. A recent report from Michael Scotto of HoopsHype said that re-signing Reid is a priority for the Wolves this summer. Reid has a $15 million player option that he's expected to opt out of and seek a long-term contract.
Reid's presence as a three-point shooter, shot creator, and playmaker is vital for Minnesota. This past season, Reid averaged a career-high 14.2 points, 6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists. His unique skill set makes Reid diffcult to replace. The 2023-24 Sixth Man of the Year is arguably the league's best bench player. At 25, Reid is an important part of the Wolves' present and future. It's clear why the Wolves should look to re-sign Reid. However, it creates questions for the rest of Minnesota's offseason, especially since it will be expensive to re-sign him.
How re-signing Reid impact Randle and Alexander-Walker
It's believed the Randle and the Timberwolves will work out a new contract. Randle has a $30.9 million player option, but has openly discussed how much he enjoys playing in Minnesota. Basketball-wise, it makes sense for the Wolves to re-sign Randle as he is their second option, providing much-needed shot creation next to Anthony Edwards. Nevertheless, it's unclear what Randle's contract will be, especially if they give Reid a sizable deal. Even though Reid is extremely valuable, it's unclear how much he's truly worth.
Giving Reid and Randle large contracts could mean that Alexander-Walker is on the way out. Alexander-Walker is an unrestricted free agent. The versatile wing made $4.3 million last season and will likely seek a big payday. Alexander-Walker's impact on both ends of the floor and stellar playoffs will pique the interest of many teams around the league. It's been speculated that the Wolves will be unable to re-sign him, given the money he'll demand on the open market. This possibility would be a near certainty if Reid is re-signed to an expensive contract. While losing NAW would hurt, Terrence Shannon Jr. could be a natural replacement.
Re-signing Reid could also impacts Rudy Gobert
Another factor that must be discussed is Reid's open desire to start. This is an understandable wish, given his stellar play. However, it makes things more complex. It's certainly possible Reid returns as a sixth man. Nevertheless, the Timberwolves could have to change the starting lineup to satisfy Reid. In this scenario, Rudy Gobert would move to the bench. This move would greatly benefit the Wolves' offense and spacing. Regardless, their defense could take a step back.
Possibly committing close to $100 million to Reid, Gobert, and Randle isn't ideal. As a result, the Wolves could explore trades for Gobert. Unfortunately, at 32, with a poor offensive skill set and a three-year $109 million contract, Gobert's trade value is likely very low. Overall, re-signing Reid is an obvious move for the Timberwolves, but it could cause a domino effect for their offseason.