Latest news with #NazReid
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Pistons Named Best Fit for Timberwolves' Free Agent Big Man
Pistons Named Best Fit for Timberwolves' Free Agent Big Man originally appeared on Athlon Sports. After seeing what Cade Cunningham did in the 2024-25 NBA season, the Detroit Pistons now understand the value of putting spacing around their rising superstar. Their desire for more has been noted by insiders across the league. Advertisement Marc Stein reported a while back: "The Pistons are among the teams with interest in [Minnesota] Timberwolves big man [Naz] Reid, league sources is known to covet a floor-spacing big man and, according to sources, is likewise said to hold interest in Indiana's Myles Turner." Stein is not the only man who believes there is a natural fit between the Timberwolves center and the Pistons. Bobby Marks of ESPN thought the same was true. Detroit Pistons point guard Cade Osentowski-USA TODAY Sports Marks tried to play matchmaker in his latest write-up for ESPN. The well-respected writer had the Pistons as one of the two best fits, alongside the Timberwolves, for the versatile big. Advertisement Marks projected Reid's next deal to be around three years, $57 million. The last year of the new contract includes a player option. "Because of the Timberwolves' finances and the majority of other teams with no more than $14.1 million to spend in free agency, Reid's next contract is difficult to project despite the former Sixth Man of the Year having his best season," Marks noted. He continued, "By declining the $15 million player option and signing a three-year, $57 million contract with the Timberwolves or a team that has cap space, Reid gets a slight increase in salary. More importantly, he has the option to extend or become a free agent in 2027." Marks explained how the Pistons can easily get themselves into the mix here. There would, however, be a price to pay for that. Advertisement "The Pistons, meanwhile, could create up to $17 million in cap space (or possibly more with a trade) but at the expense of free agents Tim Hardaway Jr., Dennis Schroder and Malik Beasley," Marks concluded. If Detroit is hell-bent on spacing the floor at the five spot, Reid is a great candidate to do that. However, to Marks' point, that will not come without sacrifice. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 19, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Chris Finch Addresses Timberwolves Future for Naz Reid and Julius Randle
Chris Finch Addresses Timberwolves Future for Naz Reid and Julius Randle originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Minnesota Timberwolves are contemplating which members of their playoff-ready roster will stay and go for next season. Among the names mentioned in free agency situations and trade rumors are Rudy Gobert, Naz Reid, and Julius Randle. Advertisement Gobert seemed like he might be gone when Kevin Durant trade speculation surfaced, with Minnesota among potential suitors. However, the KD to Timberwolves talk has cooled off slightly with the two-time champion recently indicating he doesn't want to be in Minnesota. Meanwhile, Reid and Randle are two other valuable members of the Wolves' frontcourt, and both are unrestricted free agents. That has fans wondering if they'll remain part of a team that is still on the verge of reaching their first-ever NBA Finals. Timberwolves center Naz Reid (11) could test the market if he opts out of his contract's player Adams-Imagn Images Head coach Chris Finch was also a subject of speculation surrounding his future in Minnesota. Advertisement Despite the New York Knicks' interest in him, BetRivers podcast host Mike Francesa reported last week that the Wolves denied New York permission to speak to him. More recently, Finch appeared on The Paul Allen Show for KFAN Sports Radio FM 100.3 and spoke about Reid and Randle's futures with the team. "Absolutely, yes," Finch said when asked if they'd be in Timberwolves jerseys next season. 'I think both players want to be there, first and foremost the most important thing. We certainly want them there and I know Tim Connelly is working hard to make sure that they get some sort of deals done that make them happy,' Finch told Allen. Advertisement Reid, a former Sixth Man of the Year, averaged 14.2 points, six rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game this past season. According to ESPN, he ranked as one of the top two reserves for the past two postseasons. He's expected to decline his $15 million player option to get a better multi-year contract. Along with the Wolves, ESPN indicated that the Detroit Pistons could be a good fit for Reid to sign with in free agency. Randle averaged 18.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game with 48.5 percent field goal shooting in his first season in Minnesota. He has a four-year, $117 million contract, including a player option for next season worth $30.9 million. He can choose to opt in and stay with the Timberwolves, or enter free agency. As of this writing, ESPN believes his current squad is the best fit for him. Related: NBA Mock Draft Suggests Timberwolves Pick Rudy Gobert's Replacement This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 18, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Timberwolves rumors: Insider reveals why Kevin Durant trade is ‘incredibly difficult'
The post Timberwolves rumors: Insider reveals why Kevin Durant trade is 'incredibly difficult' appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Minnesota Timberwolves may face major obstacles in any pursuit of Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant, according to NBA insider Kevin O'Connor. Speaking on the latest episode of The Kevin O'Connor Show, the analyst broke down the salary cap challenges that make a Durant trade unlikely for Minnesota — at least in the immediate future. 'Minnesota before July 1 is a second apron team,' O'Connor explained. 'So they can't aggregate salaries until July 1. So if you're talking Minnesota, it's incredibly difficult to put a [KD] deal together, which is why with the Suns rushing things here, I don't think it's Minnesota.' The second apron refers to the NBA's newest and most restrictive luxury tax tier, designed to penalize teams that exceed the salary cap by a significant margin. Until the 2025-26 league year begins on July 1, the Timberwolves are restricted from combining player salaries to match Durant's $54.7 million contract in trade scenarios. O'Connor noted that while a deal could theoretically be constructed after that date, it would require extensive planning and mutual patience from both parties. 'Unless you agree in advance and wait until July to make the deal when Minnesota will not be a second apron team and therefore be able to aggregate salaries… sign-and-trade Naz Reid, etc. So, there's a lot of moving parts here, but I don't think it's the Wolves if it happens before July 1,' O'Connor said. The Timberwolves, who reached the Western Conference Finals in 2025 behind breakout performances from Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle, have emerged as a rumored suitor for Durant amid ongoing speculation regarding the forward's future in Phoenix. However, the timing of the Suns' internal decisions — particularly the urgency to resolve Durant's situation early in the offseason — complicates Minnesota's window for serious engagement. O'Connor added that other reported teams like the Miami Heat may also face logistical and fit-related questions. Instead, he speculated that a less-discussed franchise could emerge as a surprise trade partner. 'I'd be surprised if it's the Wolves, I'd be surprised if it's the Heat… why Miami?!' O'Connor said. 'And with Houston, I get that Houston makes a lot of sense — they have the picks, they could give Phoenix their picks back — but still can't help but think it's somebody that we're not talking about. A team that is going to come out of nowhere and say we want KD for one year, just like Kawhi [Leonard] to Toronto, just like Paul George to Oklahoma City.' Durant, 36, remains under contract with the Suns but has been at the center of trade rumors since the February deadline. He averaged 26.6 points, six rebounds, and 4.2 assists in the 2024-25 season, though Phoenix missed the playoffs with a 36-46 record. While Minnesota remains a potential long-term destination, cap restrictions and Phoenix's urgency may steer Durant's next move elsewhere — possibly to a team yet to enter the public conversation. Related: Stephen A. Smith's Kevin Durant-Heat fit comes with Timberwolves warning Related: Timberwolves' 10 worst NBA Draft day mistakes in history
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Lakers Predicted to Land Timberwolves Star After Resurfaced Video
Lakers Predicted to Land Timberwolves Star After Resurfaced Video originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Los Angeles Lakers' lack of size was glaring in their first-round loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, forcing small-ball lineups that couldn't contain rim attacks or protect the paint. With LeBron James and Luka Doncic already carrying playmaking duties, the team has made securing a big man top offseason priority—a center who can finish above the rim, protect defensively, and serve as a reliable lob target. Advertisement One name gaining traction in the free agency market is Naz Reid, the Minnesota backup center who holds a $15 million player option for the 2025-26 season. If he does not opt-in, he'll become unrestricted—a crucial window for Los Angeles. Minnesota Timberwolves F/C Naz Reid (11).Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images Reid brings athleticism and lob-threat potential—which aligns well with what the Lakers need to complement Doncic's playmaking and shore up interior defense. Adding fuel to the speculation, an old 2023 clip resurfaced from the Outta Pocket podcast where Reid was asked about his favorite place to play: 'Here in LA… definitely the Lakers court," he said when asked to specify if he enjoys playing the Lakers or Clippers. The video, which was reposted by a fan two years later, quickly gained traction among those who believe Reid's previous comments about the "Lakers court" could bode well for Los Angeles in free agency. Advertisement 'SIGN HIM IMMEDIATELY @Lakers,' one fan wrote. 'I neeed it,' a fan added. 'Naz Reid welcome to the lakers buddy,' another fan said. "Omggg future lakerrr," said one. "Come to LA," one added. Reid, a 6-foot-9 Sixth Man of the Year, averaged 14.2 points and 6.0 rebounds last season and excelled in Minnesota's bench role. His combination of size, athleticism, and inside-outside skill set fits the Lakers' vision, but he ultimately controls his future. Related: Andrew Wiggins to Lakers Trade Report Surfaces After Rui Hachimura News Related: New Report on Celtics NBA Champion Potentially Joining Lakers This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 14, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Detroit Pistons To Test Free Agent Waters With Two Elite Centers
Detroit Pistons To Test Free Agent Waters With Two Elite Centers originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Detroit Pistons have seemingly turned the franchise around after finally making the playoffs this season on the back of All-NBA point guard Cade Cunningham. Advertisement Detroit has its lead guard of the future and plenty of young wings, although shooting and center play could be improved, despite the continual improvement from Jalen Duren. In an effort to kill two birds with one stone, the Pistons have been linked to two of the best floor-spacing bigs in the NBA, both of whom will be free agents this summer. Jan 4, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Ausar Thompson (9) dribbles on Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid (11) in the first half at Little Caesars Arena.© Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images Pistons to Target Naz Reid and Myles Turner With Malik Beasley, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Dennis Schroder all set to hit free agency, the Pistons will need to retool their offense around Cunningham this summer, assuming all three players walk. Naz Reid and Myles Turner are both expected to explore their options this summer as they hit free agency. Advertisement Turner is still playing in the postseason for the Indiana Pacers, where he has spent his ten-year career. Indiana is expected to aggressively pursue re-signing him, although the Pistons can offer a similar role and more money, depending on which of their own free agents they prioritize. Reid, on the other hand, might be expecting a bigger role than his current spot on the Minnesota Timberwolves' bench. Both Reid and Turner shot well over 37 percent from deep this season, and both averaged roughly 16 points and six rebounds per game. 'The Pistons are among the teams with interest in Timberwolves big man Reid, league sources say," reported insider Marc Stein. "Detroit is known to covet a floor-spacing big man and, according to sources, is likewise said to hold interest in Indiana's Myles Turner." Both would enjoy a starting spot, with Duren either alongside them or coming off the bench. Meanwhile, Cunningham would be an upgrade over both of their current point guards. Advertisement Check out the All Pistons homepage for more news, analysis, and must-read articles. Related: Tennis Star Frances Tiafoe Gives Detroit Pistons Disrespect at French Open Related: Surprise East Team Could Emerge as Potential Trade Suitor For Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on May 31, 2025, where it first appeared.
