In a free-agent period with headlining deals, Naz Reid will remain with the Minnesota Timberwolves and sign a 3-year deal. Reid’s 3-year deal is worth up to $42 million. Below examines the high intelligence behind this deal and why it makes sense for the Timberwolves.
Naz Reid Signs Deal, Staying in Minnesota
Recent Success
Reid is a talented player. Playing the backup role for a good portion of the season, Reid had his best season as a professional. The center averaged 11.5 points and 4.9 rebounds a game. Naz shot 53.5 percent from the floor and 34.6 percent from three. He got all of these stats in 18.4 minutes a game.
Recent success makes teams feel confident in signing a deal. Therefore, Minnesota feels confident Reid will build on his success from this season as he improved so much in a short time.
His Age
Reid is only 23, so the deal banks on his future. Being a young player in the NBA, there is an opportunity for growth. Reid had a terrific year, and the Timberwolves making this deal harps on his future being even better. He is still incredibly young, so he has more time to get better at his game and improve.
More importantly, Reid is coming off his best season. Therefore, he is projected to keep getting more consistent and productive as he gets into his prime. If he continues his upward trajectory, he will be a valuable player for Minnesota’s future success.
Reid is a Versatile Big
More specifically, he is versatile offensively. Reid shoots the three, can handle the ball, and pass. The Timberwolves made this deal, and they get a versatile big who can add pick-and-roll and pop elements to the Minnesota squad for the long-term future.
Reid also has a positive assist-to-turnover ratio (1.4). Therefore, he is trusted not to make mistakes and can stay on the floor in big moments. Furthermore, bigs have to pass well and manage their turnovers well so teams can put the ball in their hands. Reid possesses that ability, which makes it worthwhile to sign him for three years.
Last Word on Reid
Naz Reid is an excellent signing for the Timberwolves. They need to keep their center depth because of injuries to Karl-Anthony Towns. Reid established himself as a capable starter or backup center worth the money he signed. Fans should expect him to improve due to his youth and versatile game. However, money can make players complacent, and Reid must use this new contract as motivation to get even better and help the Timberwolves win.
