newsobserver
Naz Reid's journey to the Charlotte Hornets began with an unexpected phone call while he was about to embark on a tropical getaway. The 26-year-old forward, who had just checked his bags and settled into his seat on a flight to the Bahamas, received word from his agent and the Minnesota Timberwolves' general manager that he had been traded to Charlotte in a deal involving LaMelo Ball, Josh Green, and draft picks.
Despite having a hint of the possibility two days earlier, Reid was still taken aback. However, he made a conscious decision to proceed with his family vacation, choosing to enjoy quality time before addressing the business side of the move. "I'm like, 'Bro, I'm just going to go enjoy family time with them,'" Reid recalled. "And then when I get back, handle business from there."
Now, Reid finds himself in a city just a short flight away from his initially planned destination. Charlotte wasn't on his radar during the playoffs, but he's set to call it home for the foreseeable future, as he's only entering the second year of a five-year, $125 million contract. This marks a significant change for the New Jersey native, who spent his entire professional career in Minnesota before the trade.
Key Analysis
Reid's arrival in Charlotte is part of a broader roster overhaul by the Hornets' front office, led by president of basketball operations Jeff Peterson. Reid, along with Grayson Allen and Royce O'Neale, are the key acquisitions, and Reid is seen as the centerpiece. He's already impressed by the team's culture of togetherness, which was evident during voluntary workouts in early August.
"I think togetherness is huge," Reid said. "Being together and enjoying some of that off time together and dinners together. It's continuity, just bringing that time together and sharing expressions and learning about each other."
Reid also acknowledged the emotional farewell from Minnesota fans, who had watched him grow from an undrafted player to Sixth Man of the Year. He expressed gratitude for their support and is excited to bring his experience to a young Hornets squad. "It's kind of dedication and testament to my work," he noted. "They've seen me go undrafted, they've seen me work my way to some playing time... So, Sixth Man of the Year, I couldn't have that without those fans."
Looking ahead, Reid aims to be a leader on and off the court, drawing from his playoff experience with the Timberwolves, including two Western Conference Finals appearances. He's already building relationships with new teammates like Coby White, Brandon Miller, and Kon Knueppel, and has been in constant communication with coach Charles Lee. "He's embraced me a lot," Reid said. "We've talked a lot. We went to dinner last night. A lot of communication."
As Reid settles into his new home, he's focused on leading by example and helping the Hornets reach the playoffs. "I think keep doing the same thing that I've been doing and then obviously ramp it up a bit," he said. "As me being the leader or one of the oldest guys, knowing what playoff experience feels like... I think you'll see a lot of me embracing my role and understanding what it takes to win."
Originally reported by newsobserver.