NBA Trade Rumors: Sixers Linked to Timberwolves’ Naz Reid

The Sixers have interest in Naz Reid from the Timberwolves?

With the 2023 NBA trade deadline less than a week away, the market is beginning to heat up. While the Philadelphia 76ers aren’t seeking a blockbuster trade to shake up the roster this year, they are rumored to be looking into acquiring a backup big man. And recently, Minnesota Timberwolves big Naz Reid was linked to Philadelphia. 

ESPN’s Tim MacMahon joined “The Hoop Collective” this week, discussing the state of the trade market. While mentioning the smoke surrounding Reid, MacMahon mentioned that the Sixers apparently have “significant interest.”

“You’re hearing a lot of smoke about Naz Reid,” said MacMahon “Philly’s another team that apparently has some significant interest there.”

Reid is in the midst of his fourth season with the Timberwolves, and it’s been his best yet. In 47 games, Reid has averaged ten points, five rebounds, one steal, and one block. Taking eight shots per game, Reid has hit on 53 percent of his shots. While he’s not a sharpshooter from deep, he attempts three threes per game, knocking down 32 percent of his shots from beyond the arc. 

Philadelphia’s interest in acquiring another big makes sense, considering neither of the guys they have rostered behind Joel Embiid has convinced Doc Rivers that they can be utilized consistently long-term. While Montrezl Harrell holds value offensively, his defensive struggles have caused Rivers to rely on Paul Reed in instead.

[RELATED: 6 Centers Sixers Could Consider Ahead of NBA Trade Deadline]

And while Reed is a solid rebounder and a threat defensively, he’s prone to landing in foul trouble. Plus, Rivers has made it clear numerous times that James Harden works better with Harrell. If the Sixers were to acquire Reid, they would more than likely have a full-time, reliable big man behind Embiid, as his sizer, offensive reliability, and solid defense would be an excellent upgrade for Philly’s bench.

Justin Grasso covers the Philadelphia 76ers for All76ers, a Sports Illustrated channel. You can follow him for live updates on Twitter: @JGrasso_.