Key Free Agent Comes Off The Market After Signing Extension

He was set to be one of the top big men this summer on the free agent market, and a big-money deal coming his way. Turns out that deal will come from his own team. 

Center Naz Reid has re-upped with the Minnesota Timberwolves on a three-year contract worth $42M, less than a week in advance of the start of free agency.

HUGE move for Wolves getting Naz Reid done (as @wojespn first reported).

As reported here last week: the Wolves wanted it and Naz Reid wanted it. Boom it’s done.

— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) June 25, 2023

Reid also has a player option after the second year that gives him a chance to get another shot at free agency, still at the young age of 26. 

This is a deal that almost didn't get done. Sources told Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic that the Timberwolves and Reid were still millions apart in negotiations last week. But a call from owner Glen Taylor instructed his front office to “Get it done.” And that they did.

It was a career year for the 23-year-old in Minnesota as he became a key part of the rotation averaging 11.5 points and 4.9 rebounds in 18 minutes per game. But in 11 games as a starter with Karl-Anthony Towns out, his numbers soared to 16.5 points, 7.0 rebounds and one block per game. Unfortunately, he suffered a season-ending wrist fracture that kept him out of the final weeks of the regular season. 

Photo: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports