Naz Reid’s Blockbuster $125 Million Deal: What This Means for Minnesota’s Future Basketball Dynasty

Minnesota is not done with questions about re-signing big men. They need to decide on Julius Randle, who has a .9 million player option that must be picked up by Sunday. He is also seeking an extension.

Take another name off the potential free agent board.When you hear a deal like this, it’s easy to feel the pulse of a franchise tightening its grip on the future — and that’s exactly what the Minnesota Timberwolves just did by locking up Naz Reid for five more years at a hefty 5 million. This move isn’t just about numbers; it’s about preserving a vital piece of a team that’s stormed into back-to-back Western Conference Finals . Without a doubt, Reid’s decision to pass on that million player option and commit long-term signals faith and ambition. Sure, the allure of a starting role elsewhere was dangled in front of him — with Detroit and others sniffing around — but Minnesota’s sturdy faith in him, especially after his clutch playoff moments and sharpshooting from downtown, seems to have paid off. Still, the Wolves’ big-man saga isn’t over — Julius Randle’s looming .9 million decision adds a layer of high-stakes suspense to the offseason drama. This is the kind of roster chess that keeps us hooked, every little move echoing through the hardwood dreams of a playoff run. LEARN MORENaz Reid and the Minnesota Timberwolves have agreed to a five-year, 5 million contract extension, a story broken by Shams Charania of ESPN. This keeps a key part of Minnesota’s roster in place, a group that has advanced to back-to-back Western Conference Finals.Ried will decline his million player option as part of this contract extension. That was expected, and other teams were eyeing the 2024 Sixth Man of the Year, with Chrania describing a “vibrant market developing” willing to pay in the neighborhood of what the Timberwolves paid to keep him, but with some teams offering a starting role. Detroit, a team looking for a stretch big, was one team consistently mentioned as interested in Reid. (As of this writing, only Brooklyn would have the cap space to make that kind of offer, but other teams could get there if they wanted.)Reid, 25, averaged 14.2 points and six rebounds a game for the Timberwolves last season. He shot 37.9% from beyond the arc, providing a change of pace from starting center Rudy Gobert. Reid also stepped up with some big games in Minnesota’s playoff runs.