
Naz Reid’s new $125 million contract extension with the Timberwolves exemplifies strategic resilience in a challenging NBA financial landscape.
At a Glance
- Naz Reid has signed a five-year, $125 million contract extension to remain with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
- The reigning NBA Sixth Man of the Year opted out of a $15 million player option to sign the long-term deal.
- The extension is a strategic move for the Timberwolves as they navigate a perilous luxury tax situation.
- Reid’s journey from an undrafted free agent to one of the highest-paid reserves is a remarkable success story.
Timberwolves Lock Up a Key Piece
In a major move ahead of free agency, the Minnesota Timberwolves have secured a cornerstone of their rotation, signing reigning Sixth Man of the Year Naz Reid to a five-year, $125 million contract extension. The deal keeps the versatile big man, who has become a fan favorite and a critical part of the team’s success, in Minnesota for the long term.
As reported by Forbes, the agreement addresses a key issue for the team, which has made two consecutive trips to the Western Conference Finals. Reid’s elite scoring off the bench and his ability to stretch the floor are considered vital to the team’s offensive scheme.
A Strategic Deal Amid Tax Concerns
The extension is a calculated move for a Timberwolves front office facing a daunting luxury tax situation. With a projected payroll of around $206 million, the team is hovering near the NBA’s punitive second tax apron. While Reid’s new contract is substantial, it is seen as more team-friendly than the maximum salary he might have commanded on the open market, providing Minnesota with crucial cost certainty.
However, the deal intensifies questions about the team’s financial future. As noted by The New York Times, it is now highly unlikely that the team will be able to afford to keep its core of Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert, Naz Reid, and All-Star center Karl-Anthony Towns, who is on a massive supermax contract. The Reid extension makes it increasingly probable that the Timberwolves will look to trade Towns to get under the second apron.
An Undrafted Player’s Payday
Reid’s new contract marks a remarkable milestone in his personal journey. He went undrafted out of LSU in the 2019 NBA draft before signing with the Timberwolves. Through hard work and continuous improvement, he has developed into one of the league’s most impactful reserves and is now the highest-paid undrafted player from his draft class.
His decision to sign the extension rather than test the open market reflects a mutual commitment between the player and the organization. “If you want to be in a winning position, sometimes you might have to sacrifice,” Reid said, signaling his desire to continue building with the team.