The Minnesota Timberwolves and their fan base were struck with heartbreaking news over the weekend. Toraya Reid, the 28-year-old sister of rising star Naz Reid, was shot and killed Saturday morning in Jackson Township, New Jersey.
According to Sports Illustrated, her boyfriend, 29-year-old Shaquille Green, has been charged with murder and multiple weapons violations in connection to the tragedy.
Authorities say officers responded to a call around 11 a.m. and found Toraya lying near the exit of the Paragon Apartment complex with multiple gunshot wounds. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Police later apprehended Green while he attempted to flee on foot, and he remains in custody awaiting a detention hearing.
For Naz Reid, the loss is deeply personal. The Timberwolves big man has always spoken about how close he is with his family. In a 2023 interview with Mpls.St.Paul Magazine, Reid described Toraya as “super protective,” saying she treated him and their other sister, Jakahya, like a parent.
That bond now takes on even greater meaning as Reid and his family navigate an unimaginable loss.
In the wake of Toraya’s death, messages of condolence poured in across social media. Reid’s sister Jakahya, called the accused killer a “coward” and stressed that Toraya should be remembered for who she was, not simply as the sister of an NBA player.
The tragedy comes just weeks before the Timberwolves open training camp for the 2025–26 season. Reid, 26, is preparing for his seventh year with the franchise, having signed a five-year, $125 million extension earlier this summer. Known for his charisma and work ethic, he has blossomed into a vital piece of Minnesota’s core, beloved by fans for his toughness and relentless energy.
For now, though, basketball takes a backseat. The shocking loss of his sister is a reminder of how quickly life can change. The Timberwolves organization has not yet released a statement, but support is expected to rally around Reid as he grieves with his family.
As the NBA season approaches, Naz Reid will carry that weight with him. Her legacy will endure through her family, and in the strength Naz Reid shows both on and off the court.
