Minnesota Timberwolves big man Naz Reid has been generating buzz in NBA circles — and for good reason. According to multiple reports, Reid holds a $15 million player option for next season. If he declines in search of a long-term deal, the Timberwolves could be facing significant roster decisions involving Reid, Julius Randle (as a potential trade target), and Nickeil Alexander-Walker.
Reid remains a fan favorite in Minnesota, but retaining all three players will likely require some financial maneuvering. The front office may need to get creative — potentially offloading a significant salary — to keep their core intact. In the meantime, teams like Detroit are watching closely, hoping Minnesota’s potential cap crunch opens a window to pursue Reid, a stretch five many around the league view as an ideal fit for their frontcourt.
At just 25 years old, Reid is much more than a traditional big man. His skill set fits seamlessly into the modern NBA. Last season, he averaged 14.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists while shooting nearly 38% from three-point range — offering floor spacing, lineup versatility, and switchability that’s become essential in today’s game.
But Reid’s path to NBA success wasn’t always so clear-cut.
“I didn’t watch basketball until I was in college,” Reid told me during the Western Conference Finals.
“I was a football player. I wanted to play football.”
That all began to shift when major college basketball programs started calling.
“I think when I was first offered at UCONN, that’s when I started to take it seriously,” he said.
“I’ve always played basketball, but I didn’t think it was going to be my primary sport. Maybe my senior year — that’s when I knew I had a chance to do something with the game.”
Reid’s potential became undeniable at Roselle Catholic High School in New Jersey, where he emerged as one of the nation’s top high school prospects. A five-star recruit and McDonald’s All-American, he helped lead Roselle Catholic to Tournament of Champions titles in 2015 and 2018. As a senior, he averaged 14.8 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game, eventually earning a spot in the prestigious 2018 McDonald’s All-American Game.
One of Reid’s biggest influences on the court? DeMarcus Cousins.“I always watched DeMarcus Cousins,” Reid told me.
“He was a skilled big. I was kind of heavyset at the time too, so his game kind of reminded me of me.”
From football hopeful to rising NBA talent, Reid’s journey is still unfolding — and this offseason may mark one of its most pivotal chapters.
He went from being a force at LSU, to going undrafted in 2019. Reid, a recipient of the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year Award last season, still lights up when talking about his football background.
“I played quarterback growing up because I was always taller than everybody,” he shared.
His favorite quarterbacks?
“McNabb, Michael Vick,” he said.
Running backs?
“Reggie Bush,” Reid added with a smile. “I’m talking like 2008, 2009 — around that time.”
Reid has never shied away from contact. Whether he’s battling in the paint or switching out to defend wings, there’s always been a rugged, explosive edge to his game. And that edge, he says, comes from the gridiron.
“I think with my footwork and being able to move laterally, get quick off the ground, move around — that comes from football,” Reid explained.
“And I think with the QB drills — being able to turn my feet and stuff like that.”
That combination of power and agility has helped make Reid a unique asset for the Timberwolves — a modern big who can space the floor but still bang down low. And Reid sees that same crossover potential in other NBA stars, too.
“Amen and Ausar Thompson,” he said without hesitation.
“I think those two guys could, with their athleticism. Probably still LeBron, obviously. Zion [Williamson] could be a fullback or tight end — one of those shits! Quite a few honestly.”
It’s easy to see what he means. The Thompson twins are long, fast, and twitchy. LeBron is a cyborg. And Zion? That’s a linebacker with a 40-inch vertical and soft touch at the rim.
But when Reid talks about that football-to-basketball pipeline, it hits different — because he isn’t guessing.
He’s remembering.
And if you’ve ever seen him explode on a hard hedge or finish through contact in traffic, you already know: the football is still in him.
