Ranking 6 rumored Cavs center free agent targets from worst to best
No. 1: Naz Reid, Minnesota Timberwolves
Naz Reid had somewhat of a breakout year in Minnesota this year while Karl-Anthony Towns was out with injury for an extended period of time. In that period, Reid showed that his 6-foot-9 stature did not change his value as one of the league’s best sixth man bigs. He’s a board grabbing, dagger shot hitter. At only 23 years old, Naz Reid is solidifying a long career in the Association.
This makes it sound like Naz Reid is a shoe-in to stay in Minnesota. They already have his contract with Bird Rights, so why would they ever let him go? With KAT and Rudy Gobert’s massive long term contracts, the organization needs to prioritize their budget going forward. Eventually, Anthony Edwards will expect a max extension, and Kyle Anderson is not going to be a cheap extension either.
Naz Reid is young and already incredibly valuable to any team looking to compete for the Larry O’Brien.
In this season, Reid placed in the 52nd percentile of three-point shooters at his position with 34.9% on 3.2 attempts per game, per Cleaning The Glass (subscription required). Additionally, Cleaning the Glass ranked him in the 84th percentile in steals and 70th percentile in blocks. Compared to the greatest centers in the league, Naz Reid’s stats are not jaw dropping; however, as a player making less than $2 million this season Naz Reid is nothing short of outstanding.
The issue for Cleveland might come in being able to outbid other suitors. Other than Minnesota, though, Cleveland will be able to offer one of the highest paying contracts any team can offer Reid. The Cavs have their full Mid-Level Exception available of roughly $12.2 million, and since they didn’t use it last season, Cleveland has the Bi-Annual Exception available as well, which is set to be about $4.4 million.
Signing Reid to the majority, if not all, of the Cavs’ available money to offer, will limit their other possible moves this offseason outside of trades. That may be a main factor in targeting another big such as Thomas Bryant or Mason Plumlee. Cleveland clearly is starving for wing presence. Unless Koby Altman can find the right trade partner, the Cavs need to prioritize their wing position before throwing everything at Reid.
Next. 3 radioactive free agents the Cavaliers could sign at a discount. dark
Overall, if the Cavs want a center who can space the floor and create diverse lineup rotations for Head Coach J.B. Bickerstaff to implement, then Naz Reid is the ideal target on a good deal.