Bones Hyland has been a revelation for the Minnesota Timberwolves since returning to the rotation in December. Over the past 11 games, Hyland is averaging 19.5 minutes, 9.5 points, and 3.2 assists on 44.3/38.5/75 splits. The VCU product has given the Wolves a much-needed scoring punch and change of pace off the bench.
Bones Hyland 2025-26 Bag work pic.twitter.com/wOBWBKe7PR
— Naylor (@Naylor408) December 16, 2025
However, it's still expected that the Wolves are going to pursue point guard reinforcements ahead of the February 5 deadline. Frankly, it's easy to see why, even with Hyland's emergence, the Wolves have one of the weaker PG rooms. Additionally, it's unclear if Hyland can hold up in a playoff setting -- he is fairly inconsistent and can be targeted defensively.
From Hyland's perspective, though, the Wolves trading for a point guard would relegate him to a limited role once again. Now, given the microwave scoring he has provided as of late, it's fair to expect Hyland to still have some sort of a role. Regardless, there's no denying that Hyland's minutes would be cut into if the Wolves make a trade. And if the Wolves pull off a star trade, Hyland could be on the outside of the Wolves' rotation again.
For a player trying to get his career back on track, that's a nightmare scenario.
A trade for a point guard would cut into Hyland's minutes
Hyland was nearly out of the league this summer. He was on a two-way contract with the Wolves to close out last season. Tim Connelly brought him back in September, and it was expected that he'd have a limited role again. However, a stellar preseason opened the door for him to play over Rob Dillingham. After six games of being in the rotation, Dillingham took Hyland's spot. But as the second-year guard struggled, Hyland got another chance.
Undoubtedly, Hyland turning his career around is a great story, and he's filling a massive void for the Wolves. Hyland has posted an impressive plus-6.2 on/off swing per Cleaning the Glass. The former first-round pick is talented, yet he's not perfect, and the rumors about Minnesota pursuing another guard haven't slowed down.
It's unclear if the Wolves will pursue a trade for a true star, yet they have registered interest in Ja Morant and James Harden. While he's not a true star, another name to watch is Collin Sexton.
Perhaps Hyland gets moved if the Wolves upgrade their point guard spot. Still, the main fear from Hyland's perspective is that Minnesota trades for a point guard, especially a star, and his role will be diminished. Now in year five, Hyland has more professionalism than in his early years, so he would gracefully accept a lesser role.
Regardless, for a player who is seemingly on the brink of truly transforming his career, the Wolves trading for a guard would clearly be a tough break. Ultimately, the Timberwolves' trade deadline direction will impact everyone on the team, but Hyland is clearly one of the players who will be affected the most.