Although it is early in the 2026-27 season, there has already been considerable buzz in the trade market. While the mention of players like Zach LaVine and Kristaps Porzingis has become commonplace, Charlotte Hornets big man Naz Reid has been generating significant attention lately.
Naz Reid was involved in one of the most prominent deals of the offseason, as it saw him being traded to the Hornets from the Minnesota Timberwolves. Although he was replacing LaMelo Ball, Reid’s arrival was viewed favorably at first. Now, 12 games into the new season, the stance seems to be shifting.
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According to The Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski, Naz Reid’s chances of being traded again are extremely high, primarily because of the Hornets’ status as a rebuilding team. While discussing the team’s approach after parting ways with Ball on his podcast, Krawczynski stated:
“The possibilities of Naz getting traded again are very high. This is a roster that I think is going to change over quite a bit over the next couple of years as the Hornets look for the right combination of people to really vault into what they hope is contention. I think you can say that Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel are going to be there. Beyond that, who knows?”
Hornets head coach Charles Lee’s decision to bench Naz Reid during a game immediately sparked rumors about internal turmoil, giving rise to trade rumors. Although Reid addressed these remarks and admitted that matters had been dealt with, it would appear that Charlotte’s stance has changed.
Realistically, Reid’s averages of 17.3 points (career-high), 8.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game on 40.4% shooting from the field and 35.4% from three-point range would make him an asset on virtually every team. Hence, in light of his overall production and versatility, we look at seven teams that could make enticing offers to acquire him this season.
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Portland Trail Blazers
Proposed Trade Details
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: Naz Reid
Charlotte Hornets Receive: Scoot Henderson, Yang Hansen, 2027 second-round pick (MEM), 2028 second-round pick (HOU)
One of the teams that was recently linked as a potential trade destination for Naz Reid was the Portland Trail Blazers. On paper, the Blazers’ depth in virtually every position may suggest that they don’t need any upgrades. But following Jerami Grant‘s departure, the lack of a true power forward has been telling.
For obvious reasons, acquiring Reid would transform Portland into a genuine contender in the West. To that end, the Blazers also possess some remarkable assets to facilitate such a trade.
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By packaging Scoot Henderson ($13.5 million), Yang Hansen ($4.6 million), and two second-round picks, Portland would be able to appeal to Charlotte’s need for a reliable backup point guard while also bolstering their draft reserves. Given that the Hornets would also shed some salary in this deal (~$5.1 million), they would likely view this offer favorably.
Los Angeles Lakers
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Naz Reid
Charlotte Hornets Receive: Jarred Vanderbilt, Adou Thiero, Jaden Hardy, 2033 second-round pick, 2032 first-round pick swap
The Los Angeles Lakers‘ offer takes a marginally different approach from the Trail Blazers’ one. Given L.A.’s lack of draft assets, the Purple and Gold would be forced to package more player assets. In this regard, a proposal comprising Jarred Vanderbilt ($12.4 million), Jaden Hardy ($6.0 million), and Adou Thiero ($2.1 million) may have some appeal.
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While Vanderbilt’s contract may not have much value due to his $14.2 million player option next season, Hardy’s status as an expiring contract is quite promising. Additionally, by including a promising young player with notable defensive upside like Thiero, Charlotte may see marginally more value from a performance perspective.
Financially, this trade would see the Hornets shed roughly $2.7 million in salary, which could have some merit. Still, this offer hinges completely on whether Vanderbilt can boost his trade value over the course of the season.
San Antonio Spurs
Proposed Trade Details
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San Antonio Spurs: Naz Reid
Charlotte Hornets Receive: Keldon Johnson, Carter Bryant, 2029 first-round pick (top-10 protected)
Another promising trade destination for Naz Reid is the San Antonio Spurs. As the hottest team in the league, the Spurs do not seem to need any upgrades. However, with an opportunity to pair Victor Wembanyama with another solid frontcourt player, the Spurs may be slightly more intrigued.
To acquire Reid, San Antonio could package Keldon Johnson ($18.0 million) and Carter Bryant ($5.1 million). Given Johnson’s reputation as an elite sixth man, along with Bryant’s potential and defensive upside, the Hornets may see real value in this deal. For the most part, a protected first-round pick may not be necessary, but given San Antonio’s abundance of draft capital, including one could only serve to seal the deal.
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Realistically, the Spurs may be hesitant to include either Johnson or Bryant in any trade scenario. Still, depending on how the season plays out, San Antonio could benefit from monitoring Reid’s availability in the market.
Chicago Bulls
Proposed Trade Details
Chicago Bulls Receive: Naz Reid
Charlotte Hornets Receive: Norman Powell, 2027 second-round pick (CLE)
After making some noteworthy roster changes this summer, the Chicago Bulls were poised to be a playoff contender. Now, with a 1-9 record, it is safe to say that Chicago is far from being in this position.
For the Bulls, an interest in Naz Reid would be counterproductive due to the presence of their star rookie, Caleb Wilson. However, with Wilson suffering an unfortunate wrist injury recently, the Bulls may be more inclined to acquire a backup to stay afloat.
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To acquire Naz Reid, the Bulls could package Norman Powell‘s $21.5 million contract with a second-round pick. Aside from Chicago’s wishes to shop Powell, the Hornets’ need for a scoring guard would also be met in this scenario. With mutual benefit in this deal, the inclusion of a second-round pick only serves to sweeten the offering.
Denver Nuggets
Proposed Trade Details
Denver Nuggets Receive: Naz Reid
Charlotte Hornets Receive: Cam Johnson, DaRon Holmes
The Denver Nuggets are not necessarily a team that has been linked in talks for Naz Reid before. However, with rumors indicating that they are looking to trade players like Aaron Gordon and Cam Johnson to make roster upgrades, making a run at Reid would not be out of the question.
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In theory, Reid could be a phenomenal frontcourt addition next to Nikola Jokic. Aside from his own shot-creation ability, Reid is also a capable three-point shooter. Such tools would make him lethal in off-ball pick-and-roll situations. Given that he could also stabilize Denver’s big man rotation in a pinch, the Nuggets would benefit from pursuing him.
Acquiring Reid could be possible in a straight swap by sending Cam Johnson’s $23.0 million expiring contract to the Hornets. However, to shed some more salary, the Nuggets could also include DaRon Holmes’ $3.3 million contract in this deal.
Atlanta Hawks
Proposed Trade Details
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Atlanta Hawks Receive: Naz Reid
Charlotte Hornets Receive: Jock Landale, Aaron Wiggins, 2029 second-round pick (CLE)
The Charlotte Hornets were already involved in a trade with the Atlanta Hawks earlier in September. Since this trade did not have massive implications for either team, there is reason to believe that the relationship between the two is positive enough to make another deal.
For the Hawks, pursuing a player like Naz Reid makes perfect sense. Although it does not necessarily give them the size they need, Reid’s positional versatility would enable Atlanta to deploy a variety of different rotations on offense. This flexibility could immensely boost their overall production.
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To acquire Reid, Atlanta could package the expiring contract of Jock Landale ($14.1 million) and Aaron Wiggins ($9.0 million) with a second-round pick. Unlike the Portland deal, the immediate cap flexibility isn’t significant. However, with Landale’s contract coming off the books, Charlotte could benefit greatly from this trade.
Indiana Pacers
Proposed Trade Details
Indiana Pacers Receive: Naz Reid
Charlotte Hornets Receive: Obi Toppin, Jarace Walker, 2028 second-round pick (PHX/CHI), 2029 second-round pick
The Indiana Pacers are a team that entered the new season with great expectations. Unfortunately, with the franchise being ravaged by injuries early on in the campaign, Indiana has been forced to devise new ways of remaining competitive.
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Recent rumors have indicated that the Pacers are willing to make some trades to improve their chances of staying afloat. In this regard, trading for a player like Naz Reid would seem ideal.
Theoretically, the 27-year-old’s skill set could clash with Pascal Siakam. However, given Reid’s ability to play off-ball, along with his perimeter shooting upside, there is also some potential for the two to pair well together after making minor adjustments.
Acquiring Naz Reid should not prove very challenging for the Pacers, especially given their collection of draft assets. Hence, by packaging Obi Toppin ($15.0 million) and Jarace Walker ($8.4 million) to match salaries, Indiana could entice Charlotte by including two second-round picks as a part of the deal.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: Sports.yahoo.com
