From losing to signing 125 million, what little-known stories do Reed hide? It s so difficult to runner-up in the West

On June 28, 2025, a news quickly attracted widespread attention: 25-year-old Timberwolves substitute Reed decided to sign a new five-year contract with the team, with a total value of US$125 million. Many netizens commented that this was simply a "bad price". Why did he firmly choose to stay in the face of many external temptations? All of this seems not to be simple. Is it thanksgiving, responsibility, or is there something hidden behind it? Let us embark on this career journey full of twists and turns and choices together.

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The temptation of the free market: How heavy is Reed's choice?

Perhaps you would ask, a 25-year-old player like Reed, who is in the prime of his career, why would he choose to sign a five-year contract with the Timberwolves instead of committing to other teams that are more challenging and opportunity? This is not a simple deal, there are many unknown stories behind it.

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First of all, we have to admit the fact that Reed's free market is very popular this year's NBA offseason. Several teams have taken a fancy to the excellent player, willing to offer him a contract with the same amount as the Timberwolves, and even in some cases promised a starting position, which is undoubtedly an attractive condition for many players. Looking at the NBA, there are not many opportunities like this. After all, as a player who works hard on the bench, it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be able to get a starting position.

However, Reid finally chose to stay in the Timberwolves. What stories are hidden behind this firm decision? Let's review his NBA journey. In 2019, Reed was missed in the draft due to his overly obese figure, which was undoubtedly a huge blow to him. However, it was the Timberwolves, a team with keen eyes and talent, who took him into his pocket and gave him a rare opportunity. Since then, Reed has gained a foothold in the team bit by bit with his unremitting efforts and gradually grew into a core player. In response, Reed has said many times: "I am given to me today by the Timberwolves. Without the Timberwolves, there would be no Reed today." It is precisely with this humble and grateful attitude that inspired him to work harder in training and also established a deep friendship with his teammates. Nowadays, he is not only one of the core of the team, but also an irreplaceable close friend in the hearts of his teammates.

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data: Reed's breakthrough and growth

Reed's outstanding performance this season is undoubtedly one of the key factors in his successful signing of a new contract. As a substitute for the team, Reed played in 80 games in the regular season this season, averaging 14.2 points, 6 rebounds and 2.3 assists, especially in scoring, which has set a career high. He has scored a total of 2,000+ points in the past three seasons, and only three of the current league substitutes have done it. At the same time, his shooting percentage has reached 46.2% and his three-point shooting percentage has reached 37.9%. In the second game of the playoffs in the 2023-2024 season, facing the Nuggets MVP player Jokic, Reed gave a series of big hats on the defensive end, helping the team take the lead 2:0. In 2023, James publicly praised Reed for his outstanding performance on social platforms, saying that he was very awesome. Reed's excellent performance and the high praise of the superstars are the best proof of his outstanding abilities.

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Salary pressure and luxury tax challenges. How will the team make a decision in the future?

The Timberwolves have successfully entered the Western Conference Finals in the past two seasons, and the team's core competitiveness lies there. Reed's salary will increase by $5 million as the new contract is signed. After the contract renewal, the team will face a $23 million luxury tax expense. Next season, Huazi's salary will be $48.92 million, Gobert will be $35 million, Randall will be $30.935 million, McDan will be $24.39 million, and Gawk will be renewed with a full middle-class contract of $14.1 million. If the Timberwolves hope to continue to retain Randall and Walker, the team will break through the second-large line, when the luxury tax penalty will be added to an additional $65 million. This undoubtedly brings huge financial pressure to the team. How to balance salary and luxury tax issues while maintaining competitiveness will be a difficult problem that management must weigh. This is too difficult for this team that has won the West for two consecutive years. Dear fans, how do you view the team’s contract renewal? Welcome to leave a message in the comment area to share your views.