Naz Reid Joined the Charlotte Hornets in Trade

The former Sixth Man of the Year brings his intense training regimen to a Charlotte roster featuring Tidjane Salaun.

Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Basketball

Naz Reid Joined the Charlotte Hornets in Trade

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Naz Reid has joined the Charlotte Hornets following a trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves that sent LaMelo Ball to Minnesota. Reid, who earned the 6th Man of the Year award during the 2023-24 season, enters the team as a veteran influence.

Why it matters

Reid is known for a rigorous training schedule that includes 7:00 am workouts, an approach now being adopted by teammate Tidjane Salaun. His presence aims to bolster a roster that previously struggled, including a loss to the Orlando Magic in the Play-In tournament.

Tidjane Salaun is entering his 2nd season with the Hornets, coming off a campaign where he averaged 6.0 points and 4.0 assists per game. The Hornets currently hold a 1-1 record to begin the preseason, including a 105-90 win against the Milwaukee Bucks.

The players

Naz Reid

A professional basketball player who earned the 6th Man of the Year award in the 2023-24 season and entered the league as an undrafted player in 2019.

Tidjane Salaun

A Charlotte Hornets player currently in his second season who averaged 6.0 points and 4.0 assists per game last year.

LaMelo Ball

A professional basketball player who was sent to the Minnesota Timberwolves as part of the trade involving Naz Reid.

The details

Reid maintains his intense work ethic to consistently prove himself to critics through a strict diet and heavy weight training. Tidjane Salaun has specifically identified Reid as an inspiration, joining him for extra workouts to improve his own performance on the court.

2019: Naz Reid entered the NBA as an undrafted player.
2023-24 season: Reid was named the NBA 6th Man of the Year.
October 6: The Charlotte Hornets lost 124-90 to the Brooklyn Nets.

Season Trajectory

The addition of a proven veteran like Reid shifts the expectations for a Hornets squad looking to move past their Play-In tournament exit. His influence on younger players like Salaun is expected to be a critical factor in how the team competes within the Eastern Conference this year.

Fantasy basketball managers should note Reid's historical 6th Man of the Year production, which could see an uptick in usage within the Hornets' rotation. Additionally, the Hornets' 1-1 preseason record indicates that the team is still adjusting its lineup dynamics ahead of the regular season.

The takeaway

Reid's disciplined approach to professional development serves as a blueprint for younger players on the Hornets roster. Implementing such rigorous training habits can prove vital for any athlete looking to elevate their game during the grind of an NBA season.