Naz Reid contributes 16 points, one blocked shot

Reid had a breakout season for the Timberwolves in 2023-24 when he won Sixth Man of the Year while averaging 13.5 points, 5.2 rebounds and shot 41 percent from three-point range. He finished in the top five of Sixth Man voting each of the last two years as well. Reid signed a multi-year contract with Minnesota less than a year ago, but will now find himself in Charlotte as part of the return for LaMelo Ball. Reid should have a similar role with the Hornets either as a starter or premiere bench option. He joins a frontline that also includes Moussa Diabate, Ryan Kalkbrenner and newly drafted Hannes Steinbach.

Charania reported late Wednesday night that the Hornets were fielding offers for Ball and NBA Insider Marc Stein pinpointed the Timberwolves as one of the interested teams. Now both sides have agreed on a deal that sends Ball along with Josh Green to Minnesota in exchange for Naz Reid, a 2033 unprotected first-round pick, three first-round pick swaps and three second-round picks. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported that Anthony Edwards was frustrated with how he’s been double-teamed since the team traded Karl Anthony-Towns. Now the Timberwolves have sent a haul to the Hornets to pair Edwards with Ball in the backcourt. Ball stayed healthy playing 72 games last season and is in line for similar fantasy production in Minnesota while the Hornets’ Kon Knueppel and Brandon Miller could see increased usage with Ball no longer in Charlotte.

After two seasons in Minnesota, Randle is headed back to the Big Apple, albeit a different borough. While he did struggle during the Timberwolves’ second-round series against San Antonio, the veteran forward had a productive 2025-26 regular season. In 79 games, Randle averaged 21.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.4 three-pointers, shooting 48.1 percent from the field and 80.2 percent from the foul line. With the Nets in the midst of a rebuild, it’s fair to wonder if they won’t look to move Randle to another team. He can provide reliable top-75 fantasy value, especially in points leagues. Staying in Brooklyn could raise Randle’s ceiling, as was the case with Michael Porter Jr. Still, fantasy managers would also have to worry about the possibility of his minutes decreasing late in the season. As part of the trade, Minnesota will receive the rights to the 33rd overall pick in this week’s draft. Randle’s exit means Naz Reid will start consistently, raising his fantasy ceiling, and it also gives the Timberwolves the financial flexibility needed to re-sign Ayo Dosunmu.

Reid’s 18 points matched his high for the series, which he first recorded in Game 3. While the Timberwolves had to navigate injuries throughout the playoffs, Reid’s role remained largely unchanged. And given who’s all under contract for next season, that’s likely to remain the case. Reid is a player who has to be rostered in standard fantasy leagues, but his ceiling is limited with Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert starting while he comes off the bench.

Reid, who finished one rebound shy of a double-double, rolled his right ankle early in the fourth quarter of Game 4. The good news is that he returned later in the quarter, providing key contributions as the Timberwolves evened the series at two games apiece. Game 5 is on Tuesday night, so Reid won’t have too long to rest his injured ankle. Don’t be surprised if he shows up on the preliminary injury report.

Reid has reached double figures in six consecutive playoff games, with Friday’s 18 points being the most in a game for him this postseason. Add in the rebounds, assists and blocks, and the Timberwolves’ forward/center was solid in his 32 minutes. However, given the opponent, the Timberwolves may need a little more from Reid if they’re to win this series, especially if Julius Randle continues to struggle as he has the last two games. Game 4 is on Sunday night in Minneapolis.

After totaling 21 points in the first three games of the series, Reid stepped up on Saturday to help the Timberwolves compensate for the losses of Anthony Edwards (knee) and Donte DiVincenzo (Achilles). The former NBA Sixth Man of the Year winner contributed a complete stat line on good percentages, playing 28 minutes off the bench. While his playing time may not increase much moving forward, the Timberwolves losing DiVincenzo and Edwards means that they’ll need more production from Reid.

Making a second consecutive start due to the absences of Rudy Gobert and Naz Reid, Beringer was dominant on Sunday. The rookie center became the 12th teenager in league history to record at least 10 points, 10 rebounds and five blocks in a game, and the youngest in Timberwolves franchise history. Beringer finished with season-highs in points, rebounds and blocks, putting forth an effort that likely thrilled dynasty league managers rostering him. Beringer is unlikely to be much of a factor in this year’s playoffs, but his time will come.

The Timberwolves have nothing to play for on Sunday regarding playoff seeding, so their key players will not be available. Joan Beringer and Jaylen Clark should play plenty, and it would be unsurprising if a Rocco Zikarsky or Enrique Freeman played a few minutes as well. Beringer is the most trustworthy option for those in active fantasy leagues.

Reid will be unavailable for this game, and with Rudy Gobert (rest) also sidelined, Minnesota will likely turn to Joan Beringer to start at center. This would be the second start of the rookie’s career, and they should give him plenty of minutes with the Timberwolves already locked into the sixth seed.