Why Bones Hyland is a smart trade target for the Timberwolves

Bones Hyland performs with elite pace and is among the higher 3-point capturing backup level guards within the NBA. These traits and his upside as a still-developing 22-year-old is why Timberwolves president of basketball operations Tim Connelly drafted Hyland twenty sixth general within the 2021 NBA Draft. 

Connelly was the POBO in Denver on the time. Now in Minnesota, he is reportedly keen on reuniting with Hyland. Final Friday, Jake Fischer of Yahoo! Sports activities reported that Connelly stays a “massive supporter” of Hyland, with Fischer calling the Timberwolves a “potential suitor” if the Nuggets resolve to commerce him. 

Extra gas to that rumor arrived Monday from Shams Charania of The Athletic, who says “The Nuggets are in lively commerce conversations round guard Bones Hyland, with groups akin to Minnesota expressing curiosity, in response to sources.”

In response to Fischer, the asking worth for the second-year guard is a participant plus a first-round decide. He says the Nuggets desire a “defensive-minded” frontcourt participant. 

If a first-round decide is required to amass Hyland, you’ll be able to most likely rely out the Timberwolves as a result of they do not have one in 2023 they usually’re most likely not going to deal their 2024 first-rounder as a result of they do not have first-round picks in 2025 or 2027 and Utah holds the rights to swap first-round picks in 2026. That subject is the results of Minnesota’s blockbuster commerce for Rudy Gobert. 

But when the Wolves can discover a solution to carry Hyland to Minnesota, there’s an opportunity he might grow to be the workforce’s long-term place to begin guard. That is below the idea that D’Angelo Russell is both traded or leaves as a free agent this summer time, which would depart the purpose guard job vacant until Minnesota starter-level belief on the place within the arms of Jordan McLaughlin or Kyle Anderson. 

In simply shy of 20 minutes per sport this season, Hyland is averaging 12.3 factors, 2.1 rebounds and three assists whereas capturing 37.9% from 3-point vary. His 3-point share has plummeted from 41.7% to 37.9% within the final two weeks as a result of he is gone ice-cold (6-of-36) from deep throughout that stretch. 

However Hyland, who has mentioned he’d like to take part within the 3-point contest throughout All-Star weekend, made 131 3-pointers as a rookie, breaking Jamal Murray’s workforce file for many 3-pointers by a rookie in Denver historical past. 

He is solely 6-foot-3, however popping out of VCU his wingspan was measured at 6-foot-9 and his standing attain was a powerful 8-foot-5. He is not identified for his protection, however he’s an amazing playmaker on the offensive finish and has the flexibility to disrupt passing lanes and pictures along with his size. 

Hyland is below contract for 2 extra years and is barely because of make $6.1 million subsequent season. Discovering a means so as to add an inexpensive, proficient level guard when Anthony Edwards is due an extension could be an enormous win for Connelly and the Timberwolves. 

We’ll see what occurs, however Hyland is a reputation to observe as much as the Feb. 9 commerce deadline.