Jan 11, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid (11) looks on in the second quarter against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Allison Farrand-Imagn Images Allison Farrand-Imagn Images

Are the Houston Rockets in Play for Naz Reid Amid Reports of Free Agency?

Originally posted on Houston Rockets on SI | By Jed Katz | Last updated May 29, 2025 11:12 PM ET

The Minnesota Timberwolves are fresh off a tough Western Conference Finals loss, marking the second year in a row they've lost in that round in five games. After a 124-94 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder last night, the Timberwolves' focus now turns to the offseason, with major concerns regarding free agency.

The Timberwolves have plenty of players potentially hitting free agency this offseason. Julius Randle and Naz Reid are on player options, while Joe Ingles and Nickeil Alexander-Walker are unrestricted free agents.

Reid is a player who will draw plenty of interest from other teams around the league, as he's expected to decline his $15 million option. The 25-year-old won the Sixth Man of the Year award last season and averaged 14.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists this year.

In a press conference after the playoff exit, Reid talked about free agency and believes he is a starter in the NBA. He said he isn't ruling out a return to Minnesota's bench as well. When asked about returning to such a role, he gave both sides, in a video posted by Timberwolves reporter Dane Moore.

Naz Reid said he's not completely ruling out the possibility of returning to the Wolves in a bench role.

When asked if he sees himself as a starter, Reid said...

"Yes, 100 percent. 100 percent. But sometimes, if you want to be in a winning position, sometimes you might have to… pic.twitter.com/WliAmSChmP
— Dane Moore (@DaneMooreNBA) May 29, 2025

"Yes, 100 percent. 100 percent," Reid said. "But sometimes, if you want to be in a winning position, sometimes you might have to sacrifice. I definitely view myself as a starter."

Amid his expected unrestricted free agency, the Houston Rockets are a potential suitor for the 6-foot-9 forward. After their own early playoff exit, the Rockets could be in the market for a player like Reid due to his age and offensive skill set. Houston struggled mightily in that aspect during the postseason.

The Rockets would also have enough cap space to sign Reid and sit comfortably relative to the salary cap, IF they decline Fred VanVleet's $44.9 million team option. Much of Houston's offseason plan relies on its decision regarding the veteran point guard.

Reid could elevate the Rockets' lineup, starting at the four next to All-Star youngster Alperen Sengun at the five. They, along with Jalen Green, Amen Thompson, and the rest of the young core, would make a lethal contender, even in a crowded Western Conference. Whether Reid is in the cards or not, the Rockets have a plethora of options this postseason.

This article first appeared on Houston Rockets on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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