Naz Reid knows who he is. After winning Sixth Man of the Year and putting together the best season of his career, he is not looking to be anyone’s backup anymore. He is 25 years old, entering his prime, and he is not shy about what he wants next, which is a starting job, a bigger role, and a team that believes in him the way he believes in himself.
That is where the Brooklyn Nets can become involved
Now, on paper, this might seem like an odd fit. Reid is not the superstar Nets fans dream of. He is not the kind of name that lights up headlines, highlights reels or gets season ticket holders lining up. But if you look at where Brooklyn is right now he is actually the kind of player that makes a lot of sense.
Over this past season the Nets have been rumored to part ways with Cam Johnson. That opens up a spot in the starting lineup and a big opportunity for someone like Reid. Even if Brooklyn decides to keep Johnson, despite recently signing a 4-year deal, Nic Claxton has had his name in trade rumors recently as well. Teams in the west need a big, and a lot of teams have been calling Brooklyn about Claxton. That being said, it would not be crazy to think that there is a potential that Claxton could be headed west this summer, making the starting center job in Brooklyn free for the taking.
What makes Reid so special?
He is tailor-made for what Brooklyn needs next .He is unlike the other free-agent bigs, he is not looking for a 20-minute role or a veteran-friendly contract. He’s looking to build something. That lines up perfectly with where Brooklyn is headed.
Reid brings shooting, mobility, and physicality which are all traits everything a modern center needs in today’s game. He averaged 14.2 points, 6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists this past season while helping the Timberwolves make a real playoff run. He’s not just putting up empty stats. He’s contributing to winning basketball.
How Jordi Fernández could utilize him:
With recently new head coach Jordi Fernández likely leaning into a fast-paced, spacing-heavy system, Reid could thrive. Think pick-and-pops with Cam Thomas. Rim protection and switching on defense. Energy, toughness, and a chip on his shoulder.
For Brooklyn fans dreaming of a flashy free agent, do not sleep on Naz Reid. He is not the safe pick, he is the smart one. He wants the responsibility. He wants the pressure. He wants the ball. And in Brooklyn, he just might finally get all of it.