The Minnesota Timberwolves have sent Naz Reid to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for star point guard LaMelo Ball, along with draft compensation. The move ends a seven-year chapter for one of the most beloved players in franchise history and sets the stage for a new backcourt partnership with Anthony Edwards.

Reid arrived in Minnesota as an undrafted free agent in 2019 and worked his way into the league’s spotlight, culminating in a Sixth Man of the Year award in 2024. Over his tenure he signed contracts that total nearly $170 million and, in his final season, averaged 13.6 points per game. His blend of interior scoring, three-point shooting and defensive versatility made him a reliable spark off the bench and a fan favorite.

The trade has sparked a wave of tribute across the Twin Cities. Outside a blue-collar pizzeria, a “Honk If You Love Naz Reid” sign now sits beneath a bouquet of daisies. The sign’s creator, Kai Glinsek, the general manager of Parkway Pizza, said he witnessed close to a hundred fans stopping to pose for photos. “I have been a Minnesota sports fan for 30-some years now, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen an athlete leave Minnesota and the fans react this way,” he remarked.

Reid’s connection to the community went beyond the hardwood. Fans likened his role to that of Manu Ginóbili, a super-sub who brought starter-level sparkle, braids that seemed to crackle with electricity, and a grin that mirrored the diamonds on his teeth. He stayed in Minnesota through the off-season while many players dispersed, quietly refining his game and earning the loyalty of a city that saw a piece of themselves in his grind.

For the Timberwolves, losing Reid means a gap in front-court depth and a shift in identity. Coach Chris Finch will need to retool his rotation to compensate for the lost floor-spacing big man, while integrating Ball’s playmaking into a system built around Edwards. The trade signals a clear intent to prioritize perimeter talent, even if it costs the franchise a beloved cultural icon.

Charlotte, meanwhile, acquires a player who already possesses a cult following and a contract that aligns with their rebuilding timeline. The added draft compensation gives the Hornets further flexibility as they chart a path back to competitiveness. Whether Reid’s on-court contributions or his intangible fan appeal will translate to a new market remains to be seen, but his legacy in Minnesota is already etched in skin, signboards, and the collective memory of Wolves supporters.