After losing in the second-round to the San Antonio Spurs, it's clear that the Minnesota Timberwolves need to undergo roster changes to reach true contention status. With Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert being the team's primary trade candidates, Naz Reid feels safe. Likewise, he's reportedly part of the Wolves' core moving forward.
The Wolves are already prioritizing him in terms of their future, but they also need to consider how specific trade targets fit alongside Reid. Obviously, it's not as important as considering how players fit with Anthony Edwards, but it's something Tim Connelly should keep in mind.
Reid has been one of the league's best sixth men over the past four seasons, and he has earned the right to take the reins of the starting role (he's already paid as such).
Beyond ensuring that a specific trade candidate doesn't take away Reid's starting spot, if Minnesota trades both Gobert and Randle, it will be vital to get a quality starting center in return for one of them so Reid can play his natural power position.
Whatever trade the Wolves make must support Naz Reid
Zion Williamson has been a well-discussed trade target among Wolves fans this week after Jace Frederick of the Pioneer Press pitched the idea. I understand the logic behind an upside swing on Zion. However, I think there are some major concerns regarding his injuries and floor spacing.
Furthermore, trading him would ensure that Naz remains a bench player or that he plays out of position at center. As such, I would go in a different direction and focus on landing a backcourt player.
Trading Gobert makes sense to me, given his offensive deficiencies. However, I can't emphasize enough how vital it is to get a rim-protecting center back for either him or Randle. Part of this is to simply retain a high-level defense, but it would also make Reid's transition to the starting lineup smoother, as he thrives next to a true rim protector.
Nic Claxton and Jarrett Allen are two players who fit this mold that I would pursue. Daniel Gafford and Isaiah Stewart are two additional targets who are a notch below Claxton and Allen.
Both Reid and the Wolves would benefit from him being promoted to a starting role
The benefits of starting Reid can't be lost.
He is a fantastic role player whose skill set fits seamlessly with the rest of the team. Reid's floor spacing and decision-making abilities make him the perfect complementary player. Frankly, this skill also makes him a cleaner fit next to Ant than Randle ever was.
After establishing himself as one of the best sixth men and earning a five-year $125 million contract, Reid has shown everything you could ask for from a starting player.
Had the Wolves traded Karl-Anthony Towns for a backcourt player instead of Randle, Reid would have already been a starter. Whether it was intentional or not, the Wolves already took away a starting opportunity for Reid once, and they can't do that again this summer.
He also proved that he can perform against top-notch competition, especially against the Spurs in the playoffs, averaging 14.3 points on 45.5 percent shooting from 3-point range.
While I don't think Reid will make an All-Star leap, it's reasonable to believe that earning a spot in the starting lineup could help him establish more of a rhythm and eliminate some of his inconsistencies.
Without a doubt, though, the Wolves must give Reid a runway to a starting job and cover up his weaknesses with a rim protector. Based on Reid being viewed as a part of the Wolves' core, I feel optimistic that the front office will prioritize making his transition to the starting lineup seamless.
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