Naz Reid, Timberwolves
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Naz Reid of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts after an injury.
Former Minnesota Timberwolves star Karl-Anthony Towns, now with the New York Knicks, expressed his sorrow over the tragic death of the sister of his ex-teammate Naz Reid.
“Heartbroken. No words can ever take away the pain for my brother. Holding everyone close in prayer today. 🙏❤️,” Towns wrote on X.
Tragic Shooting
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.
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 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, Toraya Reid, Timberwolves
via Naz Reid Instagram Minnesota Timberwolves star Naz Reid’s Instagram story post, honoring his late sister, 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 alongside their sibling Jakahya. While Naz excelled in basketball, Toraya focused on softball, coached by their father.
Towns’ Personal Losses
Towns, a Piscataway native, has faced profound personal loss in recent years. He lost several of his family members to the coronavirus, including his mother, Jacqueline Towns, on April 13, 2020. Those experiences have shaped his empathy and connection with teammates facing tragedy.
Towns and Reid were both high school stars in New Jersey before becoming teammates in Minnesota. Towns starred for St. Joseph in Metuchen, while Reid played at Roselle Catholic. Both were consensus five-star recruits, though their paths diverged at the collegiate and professional levels.
Towns became a star at Kentucky and was drafted No. 1 overall in 2015. Reid played one season at LSU, averaging 13.6 points and 7.2 rebounds before going undrafted. He later earned a two-way contract with the Timberwolves and steadily rose through the ranks.
Towns’ Trade Opened Door for Reid
Karl-Anthony Towns, Naz Reid, Timberwolves
Getty Karl-Anthony Towns (R) reacts with Naz Reid of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Towns was traded to the Knicks last year, which cleared more playing time for Reid, the Sixth Man of the Year during the 2023-24 campaign, and contributed to his breakout season. Reid seized the opportunity, averaging career highs of 14.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists last season, which he parlayed into signing a five-year, $125 million contract with Minnesota this offseason.
Despite now playing for different NBA franchises, Towns and Reid share a strong bond forged in their New Jersey roots and their time together in Minnesota. Towns’ public expression of grief underscores the enduring connection between the two players, even as their professional paths have diverged.