Naz Reid, the versatile big man for the Minnesota Timberwolves, has officially signed a new five-year, $125 million contract to remain with the franchise, according to reports from ESPN's Shams Charania. This significant agreement includes a player option in the fifth year, solidifying Reid’s future with Minnesota. He notably declined a $15 million player option on his previous contract to ink this long-term deal, ensuring he would not enter free agency.

Reid's new contract comes after a breakout 2023-24 campaign where he earned the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award. He followed this with an impressive encore season, averaging career highs of 14.2 points, 6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 27.5 minutes per game. His consistent performance made him an integral frontcourt contributor for a Timberwolves team that reached the Western Conference finals for the second consecutive year.

The sixth-year pro has developed into one of the NBA’s premier reserves, fitting snugly at both power forward and center alongside various teammates like Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns. His skillset provides a crucial injection of 3-point variance, downhill driving, and interior finishing, all while effectively spacing the floor for superstar Anthony Edwards. He is described as an "Allen key" to unlock different lineup combinations, allowing the team to play twin-towers lineups without sacrificing spacing, or run five-out small-ball looks without punting on rim protection and defensive rebounding.

Beyond his offensive contributions, Reid has been lauded for his defensive impact. While not exclusively a top-flight rim protector, his strength and lateral quickness make him an effective switch defender on the perimeter. Wolves head coach Chris Finch praised Reid’s defensive versatility in spring 2024, noting his ability to handle various matchups and create transition opportunities through his switching. Statistics show that the Timberwolves have allowed fewer points per possession with Reid on the floor in five of his six professional seasons, and he consistently posts above-average block and steal rates for a big man.

Reid's rare combination of shooting, complementary frontcourt playmaking, and possession-ending defensive work places him in elite company. Last season, only seven NBA players achieved the statistical benchmark of 150 3-pointers, 150 assists, 50 blocks, and 50 steals: three MVPs (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, James Harden, Kevin Durant), a two-time All-NBA selection (Edwards), two highly-regarded 3-and-D players (Derrick White and OG Anunoby), and Reid himself. This is remarkable for an undrafted free agent out of LSU, who signed with the Wolves in 2019 and has since become one of the franchise's best development stories.

Despite his success, Reid, who turns 26 in August, has openly expressed his desire to be a starter in the NBA. While he may remain in a sixth-man role with Rudy Gobert entrenched at center and Julius Randle potentially staying at power forward, Reid acknowledged the need for sacrifice for a winning position. The significant salary he received demonstrates Minnesota's commitment to paying his worth, securing a fan favorite and a key part of their long-term core alongside Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels, even in an offseason where many free agents are expected to face financial constraints.