After the way that the Minnesota Timberwolves were eliminated from the playoffs, many expected changes to the roster to be made. Yes, they are in the middle of their most successful era in franchise history, but it’s become fairly evident that it’s not quite good enough to reach their first ever NBA finals.
Rumors of potential trades have begun since the Wolves were eliminated. Many of them include two of their more high-profile players in Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert. The team doesn’t seem to be dangling either Jaden McDaniels or Naz Reid in trade talks, and Minnesota’s belief in them should lead to larger roles next season.
Recent reporting from both Michael Scotto and Jake Fischer backed up the idea that the Wolves are unlikely to move off both McDaniels and Reid.
"Other teams have always called on rising swingman Jaden McDaniels. Minnesota has made him essentially untradable unless it was for a blockbuster trade involving Giannis Antetokounmpo or Nikola Jokic. When the Los Angeles Clippers were struggling earlier this season amid a 6-21 start and gauging the trade market for Kawhi Leonard and James Harden each, the Clippers poked around on McDaniels, but were rebuffed, HoopsHype has learned," Scotto wrote.
"Rival teams naturally covet the off-limits Jaden McDaniels and big man Naz Reid in trade talks with the Wolves but are coming away with the impression that Randle is the Minnesota player on a consequential salary most perceived as available," Fischer wrote.
McDaniels is similar to two current NBA champions
We’ve also heard reports in the past thatMinnesota hasn’t wanted to include McDaniels in talks for Giannis either.
McDaniels’ best years are likely ahead of him, and the Timberwolves should benefit from that by getting him more involved on the offensive end.
All Tim Connelly and the Timberwolves’ front office had to do was look at the NBA finals to realize how valuable a player of McDaniels’ archetype is. The New York Knicks possess two wings in OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges who are tasked with the tougher defensive assignments while still capable of helping the team on offense.
If that seems similar to McDaniels’ game, that’s because it is. Turning 26 years old on September 29, he is already one of the best perimeter defenders and is coming off his best offensive season. He could certainly grow into a bigger role if given the chance.
Reid’s time to enter the starting lineup
One of the most productive bench players in the league for the last few years, Reid has three years for $75 million left on the contract he signed last offseason (as well as a $28.45 million player option for 2029-30).
Much like McDaniels, Reid is at the age where the start of his prime should be beginning (turns 27 on August 26). The 6-foot-9 forward/center has started just 45 games over the last four seasons.
It’s hard to pay a bench guy, even if he plays somewhat close to starter minutes, that much money in today’s apron world. Trading either Randle or Gobert would open up a starting spot for Reid. It would probably make more sense to deal away Randle because a Randle/Reid frontcourt would provide little rim protection. Either way, if the Wolves are firm about keeping Reid they need to open up a bigger role for him.
Reid has always been a great trooper for the club, never complaining about not being a starter. His reliable 3-point shot (other than a period last season where an apparent shoulder injury sapped his ability to knock them down) will help provide more spacing, which is necessary for a team with Gobert down low.
There will be less ball-watching with Reid replacing Randle with the starters. While it’s not clear what trade value Randle has after his miserable playoff series against the San Antonio Spurs, it seems to be the time to unleash Naz with the starters.
The Wolves need to make changes, but they need to ensure these changes allow for McDaniels and Reid to flourish.
