Naz Reid’s expected free agency outcome this summer revealed
The Minnesota Timberwolves will be grappling with several important situations regarding free agency this coming offseason. There is still a lot of time between now and the end of June, when that period will officially begin. Much can and will happen in the remainder of the Wolves’ regular season slate and in the playoffs, and those results will play into what direction the team will opt to go when it is time to put pen to paper.
As for Naz Reid, unquestionably the most beloved upcoming free agent on this roster, it appears the big man will not be looking to pick up his player option in the coming offseason. According to Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer, Reid is expected to opt out of his contract this summer in order to enter free agency (subscription required).
For those who may not be aware of the terminology here and what exactly it means, this does not mean that Naz is looking to leave Minnesota and sign elsewhere for next season. The player option he possesses for 2025-26 would pay him $15 million, and he likely believes he can earn more by declining this option.
Naz Reid is expected to opt out of his player option
By seeking a bigger payday, Reid is putting a healthy amount of pressure on the Timberwolves. He knows he has earned his money, so he is essentially asking the organization to pay up or he will be forced to seek options elsewhere. It is unquestionably the right business move for him.
If this report holds up, it will have major implications on what Minnesota’s strategy will be this summer. It is hard to think they would not prioritize re-signing Reid, given all that he means to this organization. He has been great all season, and especially in the last three and a half week stretch while Julius Randle has been injured. In those ten games, Naz is averaging 20.1 points in a heavy minutes role.
The Wolves will likely not be able to keep everyone they want to keep this summer. But if he decides to decline his option and seek a payday, it is hard to see Minnesota not choosing to give Reid the raise he deserves.
