Naz Reid Expected to Decline $15M Option with Minnesota Timberwolves
Image credits: Jake Fischer/The Stein Line
The Minnesota Timberwolves are facing a potentially significant loss as Naz Reid is expected to decline his $15 million player option for the 2025-26 season. This decision would allow Reid to test free agency, giving him the opportunity to secure a more lucrative contract. Reid's current contract, which he signed in June 2023, includes a three-year extension with the Timberwolves. However, with the chance to explore other options, Reid may choose to leave the team in search of a better deal.
Reid's potential departure would be a significant blow to the Timberwolves, who have already underachieved this season after trading away Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks. The team was expecting players like Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo to step up and fill the void left by Towns, but so far, that hasn't happened. Reid, who is averaging 14.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 27.1 minutes per game, has been a key contributor to the team and his loss would be deeply felt. The Timberwolves' chances of success would be further diminished without a big man who can stretch the floor and create opportunities for himself and his teammates.
The Timberwolves' roster is constructed around having a big man who can shoot from deep, and Reid's ability to do so has been crucial to the team's offense. With Reid potentially leaving, the team would need to find a replacement who can fill that role. The team's other players, such as Anthony Edwards, Randle, and Rudy Gobert, have different skill sets that don't necessarily fit the mold of a stretch big man. Edwards is a talented player who excels at attacking the rim, but he needs players like Reid to create space for him to operate. Randle is more of a post player, and Gobert is primarily a defensive specialist who stations himself near the rim.
Here are some of Naz Reid's key statistics this season:
- Points: 14.7 per game
- Rebounds: 5.8 per game
- Assists: 2.1 per game
- Minutes: 27.1 per game
The Timberwolves' front office will have a difficult decision to make regarding Reid's future with the team. While they may want to keep him, they will also need to consider the financial implications of re-signing him to a new contract. The team may need to get creative to find a way to keep Reid, who is likely to attract significant interest from other teams in free agency. The Timberwolves' ability to retain Reid will depend on their willingness to invest in him and their ability to convince him that the team is committed to winning and has a clear plan for the future.
naz reid timberwolv minnesota 15m decline agency option anthony free
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