Bones Hyland could make the Timberwolves rethink their trade deadline plan

Bones Hyland re-signed with the Minnesota Timberwolves late in the offseason to little fanfare. Why would anyone care all that much? Joining the Wolves on a two-way deal in late February of 2025, the 25-year-old saw action in four games for a total of 17 minutes at the end of the 2024-25 season.

The expectation was that it would be more of the same this season. It hasn’t, as Hyland entered the rotation a little over a month ago, and his strong play could have the Timberwolves rethinking their trade deadline stance on adding another point guard.

Bones Hyland is making unexpected noise for the Timberwolves

The trade deadline is less than a month away on February 5. It has been widely speculated and reported that the Timberwolves could look to add a point guard. Numerous names have been thrown out to the public about players that Minnesota has at least inquired about.

They still might make a lead guard addition. However, doesn’t feel like the absolute need it was a few weeks ago due to Hyland’s emergence off the bench. Tuesday marked the 18th game since Hyland was inserted into the rotation.

The 6-foot-2 guard has reached double figures in scoring in nine of those contests (2 of those came as a starter). He’s also dished out 4 assists in half of the 18 outings. In 13 of those games, the Timberwolves have outscored the opposition while Hyland has been on the court.

It has been crucial for Minnesota. They could still look to bolster the bench by the deadline, as it has been a weakness for much of the year. When Hyland was riding the pine, Naz Reid was the only reserve that could be counted on to make an impact for the Timberwolves.

More often than not, Hyland has answered the bell to help out Reid and give the bench another scoring punch.

Tuesday's incredible performance against the Bucks

On Tuesday night, the Timberwolves humiliated the Milwaukee Bucks by the score of 139-106. That came even without Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert in their lineup.

A couple of numbers pop out from Hyland’s effort in the blowout win. Hyland scored 23 points (season-high) in 21 minutes. He was also an absurd +41. The 2021 first-round pick added five assists without a turnover.

Minnesota is now 12-6 since Hyland was inserted into the rotation. An NBA season always brings numerous surprises, and Bones' role with the team has been one of them.