Reed expects to jump out of the contract and trigger the alliance to rob? It s difficult for the Timberwolves to keep him

The Timberwolves were out 1-4 in the Western Conference Finals for the second consecutive year, and their attention has now turned to the offseason. The Timberwolves have multiple owners who will become free agents this offseason. Randall and Naz Reed are on the player option, while Ingles and Nikil Alexander Walker are unrestricted free agents.

Naz Reed attracted strong interest from other teams in the league in the first two years, and more teams are expected to pursue him this summer. Reed is expected to refuse to execute the $15 million player option. The 25-year-old won the Sixth Man of the Year award in 2023-24, averaging 14.2 points, 6.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists this season, shooting 46.2% from the field, 37.9% from three-pointers, 77.6% from free throws, and averaging 2.2 three-pointers per game.

With Reed's strength, he deserves a salary of more than $20 million. Reed, who is 2.06 meters tall, is now a top big pitcher in the league, which is very suitable for the current offensive trend in the league. Reed can adapt on any team. He can play in both center and power forward. For comparison, Hachimura renewed a three-year, $51 million contract with the Lakers in 2023. This season, Hachimura averaged 13.1 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game, with a shooting percentage of 50.9%, a three-point shooting percentage of 41.3%, and a free throw shooting percentage of 77.0%.

Reed has been blessed with his performance in helping the team to the Western Conference Finals for two consecutive years, so it is not an exaggeration to have an annual salary of more than $20 million in his new contract. The Timberwolves will of course strive to keep Reed, after all, he is a very practical substitute.

However, Reed looks a little bit interested in starting now. Reed talked about the free agent market at a press conference after the team was eliminated. He believes he can be a starter in the NBA. He also said that he did not rule out the possibility of returning to the Timberwolves bench. In a video posted by Timberwolves reporter Dane Moore, when asked if he would like to return to the Timberwolves bench, Reed gave two options

"Yes, 100%, 100%," Reed said. "Sometimes, if you want to win, sometimes you may have to make sacrifices. I definitely think of myself as the starter." Reed felt like a player with the strength of the starting player.

teams in the league that want to upgrade to the inside will be interested in Reed, including the Lakers and the Warriors. In addition, the Rockets are also a potential suitor for Reed. After getting out early in the playoffs, the Rockets may consider players like Reid because of his age and offensive skills.

If the Rockets reject VanVleet's $44.9 million team option, they also have enough salary space to sign Reed, and the salary cap is relatively abundant. The Rockets' offseason plan depends largely on their decision to the experienced point guard.

Reed can improve the Rockets' lineup, he can play in the fourth position and play with All-Star Shin Kyung. Their two big men, Jaylen Green, Amen Thompson and other young core players, will become a highly competitive team even in the highly competitive Western Conference.

Reed is indeed a good choice for the Rockets. The Rockets may pursue one of superstars Durant and Antetokounmpo in the offseason. If the Rockets recruit superstars, their attractiveness to Reed will be greatly improved. (Text/Li Huanyu)