The 2025 NBA Finals will begin on Thursday, meaning it's only a matter of time before the league is fully in offseason mode. The NBA draft is rapidly approaching at the end of the month and it'll be quickly followed by the start of free agency, opening the door for the Detroit Pistons to make moves that will help bring them one step closer to title contention.
Even though free agency won't open for another month, the Pistons have already been linked to a handful of potential targets, including Minnesota Timberwolves center/power forward Naz Reid. As great as the veteran big man would look in a Detroit jersey, though, his upcoming $15 million player option could provide an obstacle toward a deal.
Fortunately, the Pistons just learned adding Reid might not be as difficult as expected.
Pistons Rumors: Timberwolves C/PF Naz Reid Expected to Decline Player Option
Earlier this week, The Stein Line's Jake Fischer revealed that Reid will likely test the open market when NBA free agency begins on July 6.
"Reid has his own $15 million option that many around the league expect last season’s Sixth Man of the Year to decline," Fischer reported on Sunday.
The Pistons will likely be looking to add another forward this offseason as both Tobias Harris and Simone Fontecchio prepare to enter the final year of their respective contracts. Assuming he's available this summer, Reid would be a solid addition if Detroit is already prepared to move on from either aforementioned name.
After all, Reid is a well-proven six-year veteran who's solidified himself as one of the NBA's best bench players throughout his Timberwolves tenure. He really started getting noticed during his 2023-24 NBA Sixth Man of the Year performance that saw him average 13.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, 0.9 blocks, and .477/.414/.736 splits in 81 games (14 starts).
Although he wasn't as efficient last season, Reid still averaged career-highs in points (14.2), rebounds (6.0), field goals (5.3), and threes made (2.2) with the Timberwolves in 2024-25. He also averaged a personal-best 2.3 assists, further illustrating the floor-stretching impact he could have in the Motor City.
When it comes to potentially signing Reid, the Pistons have around $17 million in cap space and the non-taxable mid-level exception ($14.1 million) to work with. They can also facilitate a sign-and-trade deal with the Timberwolves if the latter wants roster players back in return rather than losing the 25-year-old frontcourt threat for nothing.
Potential free agents like Reid have until June 29 to decide whether or not they'll accept their player options. In other words, it won't be long before Pistons fans have a better idea if the ex-LSU Tiger will be on his way to Detroit this summer.