Naz Reid has become one of the NBA’s most popular success stories. From going undrafted in 2019 to winning the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award and signing a lucrative long-term contract, Reid established himself as a key contributor for the Minnesota Timberwolves. However, the 2026 offseason brought a major twist when Minnesota reportedly traded him as part of a blockbuster deal involving LaMelo Ball.
Who Is Naz Reid?
Naz Reid is an American professional basketball player born on August 26, 1999, in Asbury Park, New Jersey. The versatile big man played one season of college basketball at LSU Tigers before declaring for the NBA. Standing 6-foot-9 and weighing 264 pounds, Reid can play both center and power forward positions.
Naz Reid Draft Journey
One of the most remarkable aspects of Reid’s career is that he was not selected in the 2019 NBA Draft. Despite being a highly regarded high school prospect and a productive freshman at LSU, teams passed on him during the draft.
The Minnesota Timberwolves signed him as an undrafted free agent, and he quickly proved his value. His rise from undrafted player to NBA award winner is considered one of the league’s best development stories.
Naz Reid Contract Details
In June 2025, Reid agreed to a five-year, $125 million contract extension with Minnesota. The deal reportedly includes a player option in the final season and made him one of the highest-paid reserve big men in the NBA.
Contract Breakdown
- Length: 5 years
- Total Value: $125 million
- Average Annual Salary: $25 million
- Guaranteed Money: $125 million
- Free Agency: 2030 (UFA)
The contract reflected Minnesota’s commitment to keeping its core together after consecutive deep playoff runs.
Naz Reid Salary
For the 2026-27 NBA season, Reid is scheduled to earn approximately $23.3 million, with a cap hit of the same amount. His career earnings have climbed dramatically since entering the league as an undrafted player.
Naz Reid Stats
Reid has consistently improved throughout his NBA career. During the 2025-26 season, he averaged:
- 13.6 points per game
- 6.2 rebounds per game
- 2.2 assists per game
- 45.6% field-goal shooting
- 36.2% three-point shooting
For his career, Reid has averaged:
- 11.9 points per game
- 5.1 rebounds per game
- 1.5 assists per game
His ability to stretch the floor and score from both inside and outside has made him one of the NBA’s most effective modern big men.
Sixth Man of the Year Success
Reid’s breakout came during the 2023-24 season when he captured the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award. His scoring punch off the bench helped Minnesota become one of the top teams in the Western Conference.
The award elevated his national profile and significantly increased his market value heading into future contract negotiations.
Was Naz Reid Traded?
Yes. In June 2026, multiple reports indicated that the Timberwolves traded Naz Reid to the Charlotte Hornets as part of a blockbuster deal that brought LaMelo Ball and Josh Green to Minnesota. The trade also included multiple future draft picks and pick swaps.
The move surprised many NBA fans because Reid had become a fan favorite in Minnesota and was viewed as an important part of the franchise’s future. Community reactions on Reddit reflected widespread shock and disappointment among Timberwolves supporters.
Why Naz Reid Matters
Few players have taken a path like Naz Reid’s. Going from undrafted prospect to Sixth Man of the Year, signing a $125 million contract, and becoming one of the league’s most beloved role players is a testament to his work ethic and development.
Whether with the Timberwolves or following his reported move to Charlotte, Reid remains one of the NBA’s most versatile frontcourt players and should continue to be a major contributor for years to come.
Leave a Reply