The Timberwolves traded Naz Reid to Charlotte, but the deal did not sever the relationship he built with Minnesota.
That was the clearest message from Reid’s first interview since the blockbuster that brought LaMelo Ball and Josh Green to the Wolves. Reid acknowledged the initial shock of being moved after spending his entire NBA career in Minneapolis, but he devoted far more attention to the supporters who followed his climb from undrafted prospect to Sixth Man of the Year.
“They’ve seen it since Day 1,” Reid told Roderick Boone of The Charlotte Observer. “They’ve seen me go undrafted, they’ve seen me work my way to some playing time minutes.”
That journey made Reid more than a productive reserve. It made him one of the most recognizable and warmly received athletes in Minnesota.
Naz Reid Recognizes What Timberwolves Fans Saw
Getty Minnesota Twins fans hold up a Minnesota Timberwolves Naz Reid towel during the sixth inning against the Chicago White Sox at Target Field on April 23, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the White Sox 6-5.
Reid signed a two-way contract with the Wolves after going undrafted out of LSU in 2019. He gradually carved out a rotation role, transformed his body and expanded his offensive game until he became one of the NBA’s most versatile bench scorers.
Minnesota fans embraced every stage of the process.
His name appeared on blue beach towels, signs, shirts and hundreds of tattoos. “Naz Reid” became its own language inside Target Center — part celebration, part inside joke and eventually an expression of loyalty to a player whose career reflected the perseverance familiar to long-suffering Wolves supporters.
Reid said the reaction to his departure reinforced how much that connection meant.
“They’ve been in situations where stands weren’t filled to where they are now,” Reid said. “And I’ve been in that same element with them.”
The bond was about more than his 2023-24 Sixth Man of the Year award. Reid played through Minnesota’s lean seasons before helping the Wolves become a regular playoff presence. He also worked in the community, attended the Minnesota State Fair and made himself accessible to fans.
Even Gov. Tim Walz publicly responded to the trade by assuring Reid he would always have a home in Minnesota.
Minnesota Made Difficult Bet on LaMelo Ball
Reid learned the trade had been completed shortly after boarding a flight to the Bahamas with his family. Although his agent had warned him that a move was possible, the final call still caught him off guard.
“The initial phone call from my agent a couple of days before, it was a little shocking,” Reid said. “But it’s a business, and it’s kind of how it goes.”
Minnesota acquired Ball and Green for Reid, an unprotected 2033 first-round pick, three first-round swaps and three second-round selections. The Wolves made the aggressive move to place another elite creator beside Anthony Edwards, but the price included a reliable big man who averaged 13.6 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists last season.
Reid played 77 games and shot 36.2% from 3-point range. His durability, floor spacing and ability to attack mismatches will be difficult to replace, particularly after Minnesota also traded Julius Randle to Brooklyn.
Charlotte considers Reid an important part of its reconstruction. He expects to take on a leadership role with a young group featuring Brandon Miller, Kon Knueppel and Moussa Diabaté. He has already discussed his responsibilities extensively with Hornets coach Charles Lee while gradually returning from an injury.
The Wolves made the trade because they believe Ball raises their championship ceiling. Reid understands the calculation, even if Minnesota’s response made clear that his departure represented more than a basketball transaction.
The uniform changed. The two words will remain unmistakably part of Minnesota.
Naz Reid Makes Feelings Clear About Timberwolves After Trade