Raptors trade rumors: Naz Reid could be ideal backup center target

The Toronto Raptors may not have shown all their cards just yet as the trade deadline starts to inch closer, but it looks like momentum is building towards some kind of move. Toronto could trade away pieces like Gary Trent Jr. and OG Anunoby, but they could make some additions as well.

The latest buzz from Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports suggests that the Raptors are potentially looking to add another backup center. It seems like the club may be eyeing a more experienced player instead of throwing the still-developing Christian Koloko back into the rotation.

Suppose the Raptors want to secure a proven bench standout who could assert himself as a key part of this second unit. In that case, the Minnesota Timberwolves might be able to give Toronto an ideal candidate for that role in center Naz Reid. He could be on the move if the Wolves are looking to cut costs.

Reid may not be retained due to both the money Minnesota is paying to Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns. The Wolves must remember the eventual Anthony Edwards mega-deal that will take up even more cap space. If they want to recoup some of the lost Gobert assets, Reid can help if they find a willing buyer like Toronto.

Can the Toronto Raptors acquire Naz Reid from the Timberwolves?

Reid has averaged 9.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game on 51% shooting and 33% from 3-point range since former Raptors assistant Chris Finch took the Timberwolves job in February 2021. Reid has averaged double figures in scoring twice in the last three seasons despite limited shots attempts and never playing more than 19 minutes per game.

Reid and the much-improved Precious Achiuwa aren’t that different in terms of their skillsets. Achiuwa may have more explosive athleticism, and Reid may be the better interior finisher, but both tremendous rebounders that can defend multiple positions and hit some 3-pointers when requested.

Even with Toronto potentially moving towards selling, acquiring Reid makes sense for 2023 and beyond. The Chris Boucher experiment has not been a smashing success, and the veteran duo of Thad Young and Juancho Hernangomez have both fallen out of the rotation.

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The Raptors are going to look like a much different team in the next few weeks, and adding Reid could be one of the paths this team chooses to go down. No matter which direction Toronto goes in, adding him will make the bench much more consistent. Pascal Siakam has to be breathing a sigh of relief.