Few NBA players have captured the hearts of fans quite like Naz Reid. From going undrafted in 2019 to becoming one of the league’s most productive big men, Reid has built an inspiring career defined by perseverance, versatility, and steady improvement. Known for his scoring ability, outside shooting, and energy off the bench, Reid evolved into a cornerstone player for the Minnesota Timberwolves before becoming part of one of the biggest NBA trades of 2026 involving LaMelo Ball.
In this article, we explore Naz Reid’s NBA journey, his recent trade, career stats, contract details, and what the future holds for the talented big man.
Who Is Naz Reid?
Naz Reid is an American professional basketball player who entered the NBA as an undrafted free agent in 2019 after spending one season at LSU. Despite not hearing his name called on draft night, Reid quickly proved that he belonged at the highest level.
The Minnesota Timberwolves signed him shortly after the draft, and what initially looked like a depth addition eventually turned into one of the organization’s greatest developmental success stories. Reid’s combination of size, ball-handling, perimeter shooting, and scoring touch made him a unique weapon in today’s NBA.
Naz Reid’s Rise With the Timberwolves
For several seasons, Reid served primarily as a reserve center behind stars such as Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert. However, his impact extended far beyond traditional bench production.
Reid consistently delivered instant offense, spacing the floor with three-point shooting while also providing rebounding and rim protection. His energetic style and ability to stretch opposing defenses made him a fan favorite in Minnesota.
By the 2023-24 season, Reid’s outstanding performances earned him the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award, cementing his reputation as one of the league’s premier reserves. His popularity among Timberwolves supporters grew so strong that “Naz Reid” became a rallying chant throughout Target Center.
The Blockbuster LaMelo Trade
The NBA offseason of 2026 produced one of the year’s biggest surprises when the Minnesota Timberwolves traded Naz Reid to the Charlotte Hornets as part of a blockbuster deal centered around All-Star guard LaMelo Ball.
According to reports, Minnesota acquired LaMelo Ball and Josh Green, while Charlotte received Naz Reid, future draft picks, and several pick swaps. The move dramatically reshaped both franchises.
For Minnesota, acquiring LaMelo addressed a long-standing need for an elite playmaking point guard to pair alongside Anthony Edwards. For Charlotte, obtaining Reid provided immediate frontcourt talent and a proven scorer entering his prime years.
Many analysts believe Reid could thrive in Charlotte because of the increased opportunity to become a full-time starter and a central offensive option.
Naz Reid and LaMelo Ball: A New Chapter
The connection between Naz Reid and LaMelo Ball will always be remembered because of the blockbuster trade that swapped the two players.
LaMelo Ball brings elite passing, scoring, and star power to Minnesota, while Reid offers Charlotte versatility, interior scoring, and leadership.
From the Hornets’ perspective, Reid’s arrival signals a shift toward building a balanced roster featuring young stars and experienced contributors. At just 26 years old, Reid still has significant room for growth and could become one of the franchise’s foundational players.
Meanwhile, Timberwolves fans will undoubtedly miss one of the franchise’s most beloved players.
Naz Reid Stats: Career Overview
Reid’s statistical growth throughout his NBA career showcases his development from an undrafted project into a highly productive big man.
Some of his notable career averages include:
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Nearly 12 points per game for his career.
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More than 5 rebounds per game.
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Strong three-point shooting for a center.
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Consistent improvement in scoring efficiency and playmaking.
During the 2025-26 season, Reid averaged approximately:
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13.6 points per game
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6.2 rebounds per game
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2.2 assists per game
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Over 36% shooting from three-point range
These numbers highlight why so many teams valued him highly on the trade market.
Why Naz Reid Is So Valuable in the NBA
Modern NBA teams covet versatile big men, and Reid perfectly fits that description.
Floor Spacing
Unlike traditional centers, Reid can consistently knock down three-point shots. His perimeter shooting forces opposing defenses to stretch, creating driving lanes for teammates.
Offensive Versatility
Reid can score in multiple ways:
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Post-ups.
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Pick-and-pop jumpers.
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Spot-up threes.
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Transition opportunities.
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Attacks off the dribble.
This versatility makes him difficult to defend.
Energy and Effort
Reid plays with relentless intensity. Coaches value his willingness to compete on every possession, whether coming off the bench or starting.
Team-First Mentality
Throughout his career in Minnesota, Reid accepted changing roles without complaint, earning tremendous respect from teammates and coaches alike.
Naz Reid Contract Details
After establishing himself as one of the NBA’s top reserve big men, Reid was rewarded with a lucrative long-term extension.
In 2025, he signed a five-year, $125 million contract with the Timberwolves. The deal is fully guaranteed and carries an average annual value of approximately $25 million per season.
The contract reflected Minnesota’s belief that Reid was an essential part of its future.
Although he has now been traded, Charlotte inherits one of the league’s more team-friendly contracts for a player of Reid’s production level. Many executives consider the deal excellent value given his age and continued development potential.
What’s Next for Naz Reid?
The move to Charlotte represents a fresh opportunity for Reid.
With expanded responsibilities, he could post career-best numbers and establish himself as a full-time starter. The Hornets are expected to rely heavily on his scoring, rebounding, and veteran presence as they continue building toward playoff contention.
Reid’s journey from undrafted prospect to highly valued NBA player serves as an inspiration across the league. His work ethic, adaptability, and continuous improvement suggest that his best basketball may still lie ahead.
Final Thoughts
Naz Reid’s NBA story is one of perseverance and development. From overlooked draft prospect to Sixth Man of the Year and centerpiece in a blockbuster LaMelo Ball trade, Reid has consistently exceeded expectations.
Whether fans remember him for his unforgettable years with the Timberwolves or his exciting new chapter with the Hornets, one thing is clear: Naz Reid remains one of the NBA’s most unique and valuable big men.
