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Timberwolves Star Naz Reid Breaks Silence After Family Tragedy

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Naz Reid of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts after a foul during the fourth quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers.

Minnesota Timberwolves star Naz Reid is mourning the loss of his sister, Toraya Reid, who was fatally shot over the weekend in Jackson, New Jersey. Reid shared a series of photos of himself and Toraya on his Instagram stories, honoring her memory.

Naz Reid, Toraya Reid, Timberwolves

via Naz Reid Instagram Minnesota Timberwolves star Naz Reid’s Instagram story post, honoring his late sister, Toraya Reid.

Suspect Charged in Sister’s Death

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that Shaquille Green, 29, of Jackson Township, was charged with murder, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and unlawful possession of a weapon in connection with Toraya Reid’s death.

Authorities said that on Sept. 6, officers from the Jackson Township Police Department responded to a 911 call reporting shots fired at the Paragon Apartment Complex on Larsen Road. Officers found Toraya Reid, 28, unresponsive near the complex’s exit with apparent multiple gunshot wounds.

Additional responding officers observed a male, later identified as Green, running on a nearby road. He was taken into custody without incident and transported to Jackson Township Police Headquarters.

A subsequent investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Jackson Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit determined that Green, who had been in a dating relationship with Toraya Reid, was responsible for her death. Green is being held at the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.

Remembering Toraya Reid

Naz Reid previously spoke about his sister to Mpls. St. Paul Magazine in 2023, describing her as a nurturing presence in the family. “[Toraya] treats us like she’s our parent,” he said.

According to the New York Post, the Reid siblings grew up in New Jersey, attending Roselle Catholic High School along with their sibling Jakahya. While Naz excelled in basketball, Toraya focused on softball, coached by their father.

From Undrafted to Sixth Man of the Year

Naz Reid, a consensus five-star recruit, played one season at LSU, averaging 13.6 points and 7.2 rebounds before going undrafted in the NBA. Despite the initial setback, he earned a two-way contract with the Timberwolves and steadily rose through the ranks.

Reid was named Sixth Man of the Year during the 2023-24 season. Last season, the 6-foot-9 forward averaged career highs of 14.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists. This offseason, he signed a five-year, $125 million contract with the Timberwolves, underscoring the team’s commitment to retaining him over wing Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who joined the Atlanta Hawks in a sign-and-trade deal.

Naz Reid’s Season Outlook

Reid was expected to step into a starting role had the Timberwolves successfully acquired Kevin Durant in a trade that would have included center Rudy Gobert, forward Donte DiVincenzo, Terrence Shannon Jr., and the 17th overall pick (which they used to select French center Joan Beringer) in this year’s NBA draft, according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst. However, Durant reportedly did not view Minnesota as a preferred destination, and the talks ultimately stalled.

Reid will continue in a versatile bench role, backing up both Gobert and three-time All-Star Julius Randle. His ability to contribute as a “tweener” on both ends of the court remains integral to the Timberwolves’ rotation.

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