The possibilities of Naz Reid getting traded again are “very high,” according to The Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski, and that news just hit like a gut punch for anyone watching him dominate the court lately. Krawczynski laid it all out on his podcast Tuesday, making it clear that the veteran center’s future in Charlotte is far from certain.
Charlotte’s Roster Shuffle and Reid’s Roots
Look, the Hornets are in full-on rebuild mode, trying to find that perfect combo to “vault what they hope is contention.” That’s straight from the NBA insider himself. What does that mean for the roster? A lot of turnover is expected over the next couple of years. Only Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel seem safe, Krawczynski noted. Everyone else? Who knows. It’s a brutal business, right? This potential move for Reid would send him to his third team. This guy was an undrafted free agent who clawed his way to Sixth Man of the Year in 2023-24 with the Minnesota Timberwolves. He built a real connection with the fans there, became a popular figure in Minneapolis. It’s super tough to replicate that vibe, that history, with another team. He’s 27 now, and that kind of loyalty means something.
Benchings, Big Games, and Big Trade Asset Dreams
You could even argue that the change of scenery has messed with Reid’s game. Remember that 97-89 loss to the Detroit Pistons on Oct. 28? Reid got benched at halftime, and Coach Charles Lee didn’t mince words, saying Reid “didn’t meet our standards in the first half.” Ouch. But here’s the kicker: Reid immediately jumped back into his usual rotation role and has been *killing it* lately. Just look at Monday’s game: 25 points and 13 rebounds in a 124-112 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers! The man is putting up numbers. So, he’s signed through the 2028-29 season, and you gotta figure he’s picking up that $28.4 million player option for 2029-30. The Hornets might like having that kind of team control, especially since they haven’t exactly been a hot spot for free agents. But honestly, it’s looking more and more like Charlotte snatched him up in that LaMelo Ball trade with one goal in mind: flip him to a contender as a sweet trade asset.
What happens next for Naz Reid is anybody’s guess, but you can bet all eyes are on the Hornets’ front office. Will they actually pull the trigger and move a guy who’s playing some of his best ball right now? It feels like we’re watching a ticking clock, and it’s going to be wild to see where he lands, or if he somehow sticks it out.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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