The Timberwolves crossed off one of their major questions in free agency on Sunday in agreeing with center Naz Reid to a new three-year contract worth $42 million.
Reid, who figured to have strong interest on the free agent market, is getting his first significant payday after playing for near the minimum in his first four seasons as an undrafted free agent out of Louisiana State.
Other teams might have been able to offer Reid a starting job, but few would have been able to pay Reid more than their midlevel exception, which is just north of $12 million per season.
The Wolves were able to sign Reid to a deal worth $14 million annually because they controlled his Bird Rights, and could sign him for any amount.
Even with centers Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns on the roster, the Wolves and President Tim Connelly have pledged that Reid would have a significant role. Reid has steadily developed each of his four seasons in the league, especially on offense.
The Wolves will have salary cap and luxury tax decisions to make likely next season when Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels are due to have large extensions come on the books, but for now, the Wolves have locked up a significant rotation piece for next season.
Reid averaged 11.5 points and 4.9 rebounds per game with the Wolves this season, both career highs, while shooting 53.7% from the field and 34.6% from three-point range. But he suffered a broken left wrist on a hard fall at Phoenix on March 29, an injury that ultimately ended his season, as the Wolves were eliminated from the playoffs less than a month later.