Jazz News: Timberwolves’ Naz Reid Had Free Agent Interest From Utah
While deciding to ultimately re-up with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Naz Reid seemingly had some outside interest across the league. One team that reportedly could’ve made an offer to the 23-year-old was the Utah Jazz. Despite being able to bring back Kelly Olynyk and Damian Jones and adding John Collins and Taylor Hendricks, this front office is very adamant about improving this team’s frontcourt.
"Before agreeing to an extension with Naz Reid, he was expected to draw significant interest from the San Antonio Spurs and Utah Jazz."
- Michael Scotto, via HoopsHype.
It’s unknown how deep or serious these discussions were to add Reid, but it’s easy to see why there was intrigue about him. Over his first four seasons in the league, he’s been proven as an extremely valuable contributor to Minnesota’s depth unit. After playing 68 games last season, averaging 11.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks, Reid could easily bring more to the table in less than the 18 minutes per game he logged in 2022-23.
On a roster like the Jazz’s, it could have allowed Reid to take that next step in his playing career if given ample opportunity. With his last season averages being as productive as they were behind All-Star level guys like Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns should have you believe he could do more on a team with more responsibility.
The Timberwolves were not letting him walk that easily, though. Immense pressure began to build for Minnesota to retain Reid. In the end, it secured him a 3-year, $42 million deal to return to the Twin Cities, effectively taking him out of the Jazz’s reach.
"Taylor and his partners, Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez, did not want Reid to get to free agency, where several teams were waiting and could offer the 23-year-old more money or more playing time and a bigger role. The three of them consulted with president of basketball operations Tim Connelly and head coach Chris Finch and concluded that they couldn’t let a player of Reid’s work ethic, skill level, and desire to remain in Minnesota leave.”
- Jon Krawczynski, via The Athletic.
With free agents and trades still abundantly available, the Jazz still have tons of potential to make different moves with this roster. Fans must stay tuned in to see how the front office continues to piece together a compelling team for 2023-24.
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