The Minnesota Timberwolves have made the Western Conference Finals two years in a row and fallen short both times.
It’s a disappointing end to their season, but make no mistake, reaching the third round in the Western Conference is no easy feat.
That’s why the Timberwolves have to do whatever they can to retain this core of players that has led them to postseason success.
One of the most important pieces? Former Sixth Man of the Year, Naz Reid.
Reid has a $15 million player option for the upcoming season. According to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, Reid is expected to forgo that option and enter free agency.
It’s a logical decision for the Minnesota big man. He signed the three-year, $42 million extension in 2023 before he won Sixth Man of the Year.
It’s safe to assume Reid will command a better deal, at least $50 million over multiple years, after winning the award and with an increasing salary cap.
It’s up the Timberwolves front office to figure out how Reid’s next contract will fit into their future plans. They took the first step last offseason by trading Karl-Anthony Towns to the Knicks and unloading his $220 million contract to make room for other assets.
According to HoopsHype, Minnesota is a first-apron team next season with the potential of crossing into the second apron.
This means the Timberwolves will be strapped for cap space. The good news is that any additional money from the Reid extension would kick in for the 2026-27 season when Minnesota ideally has more space. They could unload Mike Conley and make room for Reid, but they have to agree to terms first.
Naz Reid is expected to opt out of his contract this summer and enter free agency, per @JakeLFischer
“Reid, who is the league’s reigning Sixth Man of the Year for a few more months, possesses a $15 million player option for 2025-26 that many of those same strategists expect… pic.twitter.com/gyZPs07JwA
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 24, 2025
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Reid would be an asset for any team. He’s a great rebounder and solid defender but can also stretch the floor with his long-range shooting.
He averaged 14.2 points, 6 rebounds, and shot 37% from deep this season.
He would fit in many systems, but his value is the highest on the Timberwolves.
It’s up to them to keep him in the building.
