Category: Finance | Title: Naz Reid Undrafted: NBA Rookie Contract, Draft Status, and Current Earnings | Tag: Naz Reid | Meta Description: Naz Reid went undrafted in 2019 but signed a two-way contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves, earning a rookie salary tied to NBA minimums and two-way pay...
Naz Reid Undrafted: Draft Night Outcome and Immediate NBA Contract
Naz Reid was not selected in the 2019 NBA Draft, finishing his college career at LSU without being picked by any of the 30 teams. On draft night, the Minnesota Timberwolves signed him to a two-way contract, a standard path for undrafted prospects who still secure an NBA roster spot. This deal allowed him to split time between the Timberwolves and their G League affiliate, the Iowa Wolves, while earning a salary closer to the two-way pay scale than the full NBA minimum. Reid became one of the more notable undrafted players to earn a two-way deal in recent years, a status that directly affects his earnings and roster protection rules. Details on two-way contract rules are available on the official NBA CBA overview linked by the league at https://www.nba.com/cba.
Because he was undrafted, Reid did not receive the guaranteed draft-year salary and signing bonuses typically associated with first-round picks. Instead, his initial compensation was structured around the two-way contract limit, which in the 2019-20 season was a fraction of the full NBA minimum salary. The Timberwolves used the two-way slot to keep him flexible, recalling him for stretches when the team needed frontcourt depth behind Karl-Anthony Towns and later Rudy Gobert. This arrangement is common for late-blooming prospects who slip through the draft but still demonstrate NBA-ready skills in summer league and preseason. For background on how two-way contracts work within the NBA salary system, see the official NBA salary cap overview at https://www.nba.com/news/nba-salary-cap-rules-explained.
Naz Reid Undrafted Path to NBA Minutes and Role
After going undrafted, Naz Reid spent his first two NBA seasons primarily as a backup big man for the Timberwolves, often entering games as a small-ball five or a high-energy finisher around the rim. He averaged modest minutes early in his career, but his ability to finish fast breaks and contest shots gave the coaching staff a reliable option in short bursts. Reid's undrafted status meant he had to prove his value in training camp and preseason every year, with no guaranteed roster spot beyond the initial two-way deal. His gradual increase in usage and trust from coaches reflected a typical development arc for players who enter the league outside the draft lottery.
Over time, Reid's role expanded as the Timberwolves added veterans and shifted their frontcourt rotation, giving him more consistent minutes in playoff push windows. His style emphasizes finishing, screen-setting, and defensive effort rather than primary scoring, which fits a specific niche for undrafted players who survive on versatility and hustle. Teams continue to value players like Reid for their ability to stretch the floor and provide energy off the bench without demanding a large salary. This role is a common trajectory for late-second-round and undrafted players who make NBA rosters on merit rather than draft position.
Naz Reid Undrafted Earnings, Contract Extensions, and Financial Outlook
Naz Reid's initial undrafted two-way contract placed his early earnings well below the full NBA minimum salary, with pay tied to the number of days he spent on the NBA roster versus the G League. As he secured a standard NBA contract, his salary moved closer to the league's minimum for players with two or more years of experience, still modest compared to drafted peers in the same draft class. His current financial outlook depends on roster status, playoff bonuses, and any future extensions, but his path shows how undrafted players can build a sustainable NBA income without draft-day guarantees. For current NBA minimum salary figures, see the official NBA salary cap page at https://www.nba.com/news/nba-salary-cap-rules-explained.
Beyond his base salary, Naz Reid's earnings include standard NBA benefits such as housing stipends, travel accommodations, and access to league-wide