The Minnesota Timberwolves have been the story of these NBA playoffs.
The rise of Anthony Edwards into the national spotlight and bonafide superstardom has the country buzzing about the next great American superstar. Karl Anthony-Towns stellar shooting stroke has developed into a true weapon. Rudy Gobert's rim protection gives the team two-way power that can only be matched by a handful of squads in the association. The "Big Three" in Minnesota is phenomenal, but their unlikely spark plug off the bench has become a driving force for the Wolves. Bleacher Report suggests that the Pelicans should inquire about his availability in a trade.
Naz Reid is the reigning Sixth Man of the Year winner. He edged out Malik Monk to win the award, and it was well-deserved. Reid averaged career highs of 13.5 points and 5.2 rebounds in 81 games, 67 of them off the bench.
In these playoffs, Reid has had stretches where he looked like the best player on the floor against some stiff competition out west. His combination of rim protection and long-range marksmanship is scintillating, and a key to the Wolves success. His magnum opus of Minnesota's playoff run was game two of their current series against Dallas where Reid poured in 23 points on seven made three pointers.
New Orleans would be crazy if they didn't kick the tires on a potential trade for Reid this summer. Here's what Zack Buckley had to say about a potential deal.
"The Timberwolves never would have reached the Western Conference Finals without Reid. It's still fair to wonder whether the front office will deem him a necessity given the skyrocketing cost of this roster and the fact he's a bench player with an eight-figure salary.
With New Orleans in the market for a new 5, Minnesota might have a chance to turn its backup big man into multiple contributors. Daniels has some Kyle Anderson elements as a jumbo playmaker who defends anyone, only with a higher upside. Hawkins had a credible claim as the best shooter in last year's draft, and he could help crank up the volume of this three-point attack (15th in makes, 23rd in attempts).
Is that enough to convince the Wolves to let go of the Sixth Man of the Year? That probably hinges on whether they feel it's better for their championship chances to keep their supersized (and super-skilled) frontcourt in place or try sacrifice a big to address some of their perimeter deficiencies."
The fit in the frontcourt with Zion Williamson and Naz Reid is a dream. Reid's ability to shoot jumpers while also covering for Williamson's defensive shortcomings make him an ideal option at the five next to Zion. If New Orleans is able to swing this deal while flipping Brandon Ingram for Trae Young like Bleacher Report also suggests, a starting five of Trae Young, Herb Jones, Trey Murphy III, Zion Williamson, and Naz Reid becomes one of the Western Conferences' most fearsome.