Timberwolves will face a tricky Naz Reid dilemma this offseason

At this point, I think it would be a surprise if the Minnesota Timberwolves didn't trade one of their big men this offseason. With Julius Randle, Rudy Gobert, and Naz Reid, they have a logjam at the frontcourt. Between fit and financial concerns, at least one of these players will likely be wearing a new uniform next season. 

I'll admit Naz is the least likely of this group to be traded. However, the Wolves trade, Randle, or Gobert will be counting on Reid in a starter role. The Wolves made a massive vote of confidence last offseason by signing Naz to a five-year, $125 million contract. Simply put, you don't pay a backup big man that much money. Thus, the writing is on the wall for Naz to eventually earn a starting job. 

Still, given Reid's volatility, it's not a forgone conclusion that he'd thrive as a starter. That makes me wonder if the Wolves would consider trading him. Again, I think a Randle or Gobert trade is more likely, but I wouldn't rule out Naz being moved.

When push comes to shove, the Timberwolves will have to decide if they truly believe Naz can handle a starting role or if trading him might be the best move. 

It's not a certainty that Naz Reid would thrive as a starter

If you're simply looking at Reid's counting stats (averages of 13.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.2 assists this season) and considering he's been one of the league's premier bench players, it's easy to argue that he could scale up.

Regardless, die-hard fans are well aware of his inconsistencies. Reid is currently in a slump, averaging 11.9 points on 27.7 percent shooting from beyond the arc since the All-Star break. His shoulder injury is clearly affecting this poor stretch.  

These inconsistencies are nothing new, though. Reid's production has dipped every year that he's played in the playoffs. Given that he's inherently a rhythm player, I don't know how comfortable I would feel trusting him in a starter role on a championship-level team, especially when coupled with his shaky defense. His contract says otherwise, though. 

The easy counter to this is that a bigger role would help Reid find a more consistent rhythm. To this point, in the past three seasons, Naz has averaged 17.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in 33 games as a starter. 

Ultimately, I would lean toward the optimistic side with Naz's outlook as a starter, but I don't think it's close to a guarantee that he would thrive in this new role.

Why the Timberwolves may consider trading Reid

As noted, the Timberwolves are more likely to trade Randle or Gobert, but there's an argument to be made that Reid is the most expendable. 

Randle, of course, is highly inconsistent. However, ensuring you make a cap-friendly move while finding a dependable second option next to Anthony Edwards makes trading Randle more risky than some Wolves fans would like to admit.

Gobert, while flawed offensively, is one of the best defensive anchors in the league. The Randle-Reid minutes have been problematic for the Wolves' defense all season long. By trading Gobert, you'd be going all-in on offense at the expense of your defense. 

Thus, Reid could be considered more expendable. 

Nevertheless, it's unclear if the Wolves can save money and get back a quality contributor by trading Reid. If a trade offer can accomplish these two things, though, Tim Connelly would have a brutal decision to make, especially given Reid's importance to the fan base.  

In the end, the Wolves will likely keep Reid and promote him to a starting role, but they will likely explore the possibility of trading him. Overall, this Naz Reid dilemma will loom over the Wolves this summer.