​Naz Reid’s era with the Minnesota Timberwolves closed with a poignantly personal farewell on July 10, as the fan favorite bid adieu to the franchise and its supporters after his offseason trade. In an Instagram post, Reid expressed gratitude to Minnesota for embracing him from the moment he arrived as an undrafted rookie and for helping him grow into one of the NBA’s most popular reserve big men. Although the trade signaled the end of his six-year stint with the Timberwolves, Reid emphasized that the memories he created in Minneapolis would accompany him long after he moves on.
“Minnesota, Thank you,” Reid began in a caption that accompanied a collage celebrating his Timberwolves journey. The note reflected on stepping into the league with “an opportunity and a lot to prove,” and he extended his thanks to the fans for the unwavering support during his development. He recalled the memorable nights at Target Center, describing the wave of towels and the arena’s energy as something truly special. The atmosphere and the city’s backing left a lasting impression, he said, and those experiences would always stay with him.
Reid concluded by stating that Minnesota “will always hold a special place in my heart” and expressed eagerness for the next chapter of his NBA career. His farewell resonated because he connected with Timberwolves fans in a way few players have managed to do. After going undrafted in 2019, Reid earned a roster spot through steady development and rose to become one of the NBA’s top scoring big men off the bench. His influence grew to the point that he captured the league’s Sixth Man of the Year award and became a cornerstone of Minnesota’s ascent into Western Conference contention.
What made Reid’s bond with the fan base truly distinctive was the unique relationship he cultivated with the crowd. The simple name “Naz Reid” evolved into a rallying cry that echoed throughout Minnesota. Fans carried signs, towels, and apparel emblazoned with his name, and Target Center often erupted in chants for him, whether he was on the floor or not. That organic connection helped him become one of the franchise’s most recognizable personalities, frequently earning him admiration beyond purely statistical contributions.
The farewell specifically highlighted those Target Center moments, underscoring how meaningful that support was during his tenure. As Minnesota moves forward and reshapes parts of its roster, Reid’s message stands as a reminder of the impact he made beyond the box score. He arrived as an overlooked prospect fighting for an NBA career and departs as one of the Timberwolves era’s most cherished players. His development paralleled the franchise’s evolution from a rebuilding squad to a perennial playoff contender, a narrative mirrored in his own growth.
The Instagram note also provided closure for fans who watched Reid become one of the team’s emotional leaders. Even as he starts a new chapter with Charlotte, he made clear that Minnesota helped define the initial stage of his professional journey and left an indelible imprint on the franchise’s recent history. In sharing his gratitude and memories, Reid offered fans a lasting reminder of what made his time with the Timberwolves so special and of the enduring bond between a player who rose from an unlikely start to a beloved figure in Minnesota basketball.