The Minnesota Timberwolves are going to have a hard time keeping their roster intact with several stars poised for paydays.
Among them is fan favorite Naz Reid, whose cult-following in Minnesota has been a byproduct of not only his play but also his character.
Last season's NBA Sixth Man of the Year winner, Reid agreed to a three-year, $42 million extension in 2023 to stay in Minnesota and not pursue more playing time elsewhere. It was a gesture of good faith and a bet that the Timberwolves could continue to help him develop.
Entering this offseason, Reid "indicated at the team’s exit interviews that he was likely to decline his option and shoot for a long-term deal," per the Minnesota Star Tribune's Chris Hine, declaring that he sees himself as a starter -- and deserves to be paid like one.
Whether the Timberwolves value Reid to that extent will be put to the test in the coming weeks -- but if they do not re-sign him, he could be headed to two of the worst possible destinations for his former team.
Naz Reid
Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid (11) is poised to test the market if he opts out of the player option in his contract for the 2025 NBA offseason.
Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
According to Bovada Sportsbook, Reid's best next-team odds if he does not remain in Minnesota include the Western Conference rival Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers -- both of which the Timberwolves defeated in the playoffs this year.
The Warriors are the favorites to land Reid in this scenario with +175 odds, an implied probability of 36.4%. The Brooklyn Nets (+220; 31.3%) and Charlotte Hornets (+285; 26.0%) follow before the Lakers at +375 or 21.0%.
While this may be bleak news for the Timberwolves, there is still a reasonable case for Reid to opt into his contract at $15 million this season.
ESPN front office insider Bobby Marks said he believes Reid will opt in due to "the number of teams that will have money to sign players past the midlevel exception is low and that that number might be higher next season," per the Star Tribune.
Reid also said that, while he views himself as a starter, he understands and is willing to sacrifice when it comes to winning.
“... If you want to be in a winning position, sometimes you might have to sacrifice,“ he said. ”So I definitely view myself as a starter, but things happen, things change. You never know what’s ahead of you until you talk about it and until you go through it.”