The name "Naz Reid" became a rallying cry as fans embraced the Wolves sixth man over the last several seasons. There are signs. Murals. Even tattoos. You could go to a Viking or Twins game and see Naz Reid signs.
Those same fans are now expressing their disappointment and sadness following news that he's being traded to the Charlotte Hornets.
Samantha Soohan is General Manager at Bricksworth Beer in Minneapolis' North Loop. In the highest compliment possible, they have a special Naz Reid beer on their menu.
"We are super sad to obviously have him leave, but we're super proud of him," Soohan explains. "And I believe as far as I have heard from the rest of the team, we are going to keep the name of the beer the same."
The Naz Reid beer is a New England-style IPA, that packs a 7.5% ABV punch, fitting for a brew named after a 6-foot 9-inch power forward. Reid, 26, has spent all seven of his NBA seasons with the Timberwolves.
Even the state's governor chimed in. Gov. Tim Walz posting on social media Thursday afternoon that "you'll always have a home in Minnesota, Naz."
The Wolves will be getting star point guard LaMelo Ball, along with backup guard Josh Green as part of the deal that also sends a number of draft picks and pick swaps to Charlotte.
The loss of Reid comes with a little more pain for people like KSTP-TV anchor, and occasional WCCO Radio fill-in host Chris Egert. He posted on social media a photo of his "Naz Reid" tattoo, joking that it just became a little more "awkward" before crossing it out with a Sharpie.
Bricksworth Beer in the North Loop tells WCCO that their "Naz Reid Beer" will remain on the menu despite his trade Thursday
Bricksworth Beer in the North Loop tells WCCO that their "Naz Reid Beer" will remain on the menu despite his trade Thursday
