The Boston Celtics could be in line for a busy offseason after their first-round playoff exit earlier this year, as they look to bolster their roster, and their top trade target couldn't be clearer: Minnesota Timberwolves big man Naz Reid.
Following Minnesota's six-game loss to the San Antonio Spurs in the second round of the playoffs, NBC's Kurt Helin reported that the team could make some big changes to its core this offseason. And that could include moving on from Reid, who would be a fantastic addition for the Celtics.
"Expect changes, maybe big changes, around that core [Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, Naz Reid, and Joan Beringer]. Minnesota got an up-close look at where San Antonio is setting the bar in a West where it may not even be the best team. And a conference that still has Luka Doncic with the Lakers and Nikola Jokic with the Nuggets," Helin wrote.
Boston should explore a trade for Naz Reid this summer
Reid is a fantastic player who hasn't had the ultimate opportunity to fully showcase his talents (he has started 77 of his 483 career games, though he's finished top-five in Sixth Man of the Year voting every season since 2023-24, when he won the award for the first time).
This past season, the 26-year-old averaged 13.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block while shooting 45.6% from the field and 36.2% from deep. He also provides solid defense as someone who can guard multiple positions, is mobile, and has a six-foot-nine or six-foot-10 (depending on who you ask) frame.
Additionally, Reid still has four years left on his five-year, $125 million contract (which includes a $28.4 million player option for the 2029-30 season), so long-term security won't be much of an issue.
The Celtics clearly need to make some moves this offseason, and instead of going all out for a Giannis Antetokounmpo-type trade, they should prioritize upgrading around the margins. And that's why Reid should be an appealing target for them. He can stretch the floor (which they desperately need), create his own shot, play solid defense, play multiple positions, handle the ball (which would take some pressure off of the Jays and Derrick White), and grab some boards.
Reid can provide value in every area of the game, and for a Celtics team that prides itself on elite two-way play, it might be smart to take advantage of a potential Timberwolves fire sale and get the LSU alum on their roster.
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