The Minnesota Timberwolves are reportedly considering a trade for Chicago Bulls center Jalen Smith to solve their backup center problem. The move aims to replace the production lost when Naz Reid was traded away last summer.
Trading Naz Reid created a significant hole behind starter Rudy Gobert. Minnesota currently relies on 19-year-old Joan Beringer and 20-year-old Rocco Zikarsky. Both are promising but raw prospects who cannot yet replicate Reid's impact. Last season, Reid averaged 13.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists while shooting 36.2% from three-point range. His ability to stretch the floor was vital when Gobert rested.
Finding an exact replica of Reid is impossible, especially given Minnesota's financial constraints. The team has roughly $215.5 million committed to its current roster. So the search is for a player who can bring similar offensive skills at an affordable price. Jalen Smith of the Chicago Bulls has emerged as a potential target.
A proposed mock trade sends Smith to Minnesota. The Timberwolves would receive the center, while the Chicago Bulls would get guard Donte DiVincenzo and a protected 2030 second-round pick from Memphis. The salaries match up well for the Wolves' goals.
DiVincenzo earns $12.5 million this season, and Smith makes $9.4 million. This swap would trim over $3 million from Minnesota's payroll. Both contracts expire next summer, offering future flexibility. The Bulls have a crowded frontcourt, which might make Smith available.
Calling Smith another Naz Reid is unfair. Reid developed into one of the NBA's premier bench scorers. Smith hasn't reached that level yet, but his playing style offers useful parallels for Minnesota. He posted averages of 10.2 points and 6.7 rebounds in just 20.7 minutes per game last season.
His shooting is a key asset. Smith hit 48.3% from the field and 37.3% from three-point range on 4.2 attempts per game. He also blocked 0.8 shots per contest. Projected over 36 minutes, his numbers jump to 17.7 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks. That's the kind of efficient, floor-spacing big man the Wolves need behind Gobert.
Smith can drag opposing centers away from the paint, creating driving lanes for Anthony Edwards. His rebounding and shot-blocking provide defensive support. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming matchups on our schedule page.
After losses to Detroit and Charlotte in early April, they responded with decisive victories.
Integrating a new piece like Smith would aim to sustain this offensive firepower and solidify the frontcourt rotation for a potential playoff push. The financial mechanics of the deal make it a practical exploration for the front office.
