“Heartbroken”: Karl-Anthony Towns Pens Emotional Message for Ex-Teammate After Personal Tragedy

The bond between NBA teammates often extends far beyond the basketball court, forged through shared struggles and triumphs. For Karl-Anthony Towns and Naz Reid, this connection has been particularly strong since Reid joined the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2019. Their relationship has been one of mutual support, with Reid often citing Towns as a mentor and confidence booster during games and practices.

This deep friendship makes personal tragedies particularly painful for both players. When one member of this basketball brotherhood suffers, the other feels it deeply, demonstrating how professional sports teams often function as extended families during times of crisis.

New York Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns took to X to share his grief over a devastating personal loss affecting his teammate. In a heartfelt post, Towns wrote, “Heartbroken. No words can ever take away the pain for my brother. Holding everyone close in prayer today”. The message was accompanied by prayer and heart emojis, conveying his deep emotional support.

The tragedy involves the death of Naz Reid’s older sister, Toraya Reid, who was fatally shot in New Jersey on September 6. Authorities responded to reports of gunfire at an apartment complex and found the 28-year-old unconscious with multiple gunshot wounds. She was pronounced dead at the scene, leaving the Reid family and their extended Timberwolves family in mourning.

Ocean County investigators identified 29-year-old Shaquille Green as the primary suspect, arresting him on charges of murder and weapon possession. The alleged shooter had been in a dating relationship with Toraya Reid, adding another layer of tragedy to this devastating situation. The basketball community has rallied around Reid during this unimaginably difficult time.

Officials said Green was spotted running near North New Prospect Road before being arrested without incident. The prosecutor’s office later stated, “A subsequent investigation identified Green – who has been in a dating relationship with Ms. Reid – as the individual responsible for her death”. Reid’s sister, Jakahya, reacted on Facebook, calling the suspect a “coward” and urging others to respect Toraya’s name, adding “She is not just the [NBA superstar] sister. She has a name and that is Toraya Reid”.

For Towns, his post reflected the type of personal bond that has become part of the Timberwolves’ identity. Their shared New Jersey roots only strengthened that relationship. Now, as Reid copes with the devastating loss of his sister, Towns’ message underscored the emotional weight inside the locker room. The tragedy arrives just weeks before training camp begins on September 29. With Reid entering his seventh NBA season and his first under a five-year, 125 million dollar extension signed this summer. For the Timberwolves, the moment is a reminder that their season will start with more than basketball on their minds.

A brotherhood forged on the court

The history between Karl-Anthony Towns and Naz Reid stretches back long before they put on Timberwolves jerseys. Both grew up in New Jersey, playing high school basketball less than a dozen miles apart before eventually crossing paths again as professionals. Reid joined Minnesota in 2019 as an undrafted free agent, carving out a role through sheer work ethic. Towns, already the cornerstone of the team, became both a mentor and a competitor in practice.

Reid has credited Towns for pushing him to grow his game. “If you watch the games, he’s talking to me, telling me what he sees [from the bench] and giving me his perspective. He’s always boosting my confidence,” Reid said in a past interview. Their relationship has blended competition with support, often marked by lighthearted shooting contests after practice where Reid admits he can rarely win. That mix of mentorship and challenge has shaped Reid’s rise from an unheralded rookie to one of the most reliable sixth men in the NBA.

The chemistry also carried over onto the court during Karl-Anthony Towns’ absence in early 2021 when he tested positive for COVID-19. Reid stepped up, averaging 14.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game across 11 contests. His performances included multiple double-doubles and consistent double-digit scoring nights, proving he could handle a starter’s load. Reid later explained, “Going out there and trying to do something similar to what he did, if not better… it was definitely a big role, but I was able to get it done for the most part”. For Minnesota, it cemented the idea that Reid was more than just a backup. He was a key piece of the team’s future.

Through moments of triumph and now tragedy, the bond between Towns and Reid continues to define their story in Minnesota. Towns’ public show of support after Toraya Reid’s death revealed just how much their brotherhood extends beyond basketball. As the Timberwolves prepare to open their season, it is clear the focus will not just be on wins and losses, but on rallying around one of their own during an unimaginably painful time.