Since August, the Minnesota Timberwolves were expected to sign Bones Hyland to round out their roster. This was first reported by Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic back in August. Krawczynski definitively said the Wolves will eventually sign Hyland but noted that this may stretch into September. Well, Krawczynski proved to be right as they did indeed sign Hyland, but it didn't happen until mid-September.
Just In: The Minnesota Timberwolves and Bones Hyland have agreed to a deal, league sources told @hoopshype. Hyland has averaged 9.5 points in four NBA seasons combined with the Nuggets, Clippers, and Timberwolves. pic.twitter.com/mos2KnLkA7
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) September 15, 2025
After Malcolm Brogdon signed with the New York Knicks, signing Bones felt like a certainty for the Wolves. While some Wolves fans were hoping for Brogdon or another point guard signing, Hyland makes a lot of sense.
Signing Bones Hyland is the perfect way for the Timberwolves to round out their roster
Hyland secures what could be the Wolves' final roster spot. Johnny Juzang will also compete for one of these roster spots in training camp. However, it's possible Hyland is their final roster move, and they keep one spot open for some financial flexibility. With a solidified rotation, the Wolves are looking for some extra depth to round out their roster, making Hyland the perfect move.
Conversely, signing someone like Brogdon would have taken away opportunities for second-year guard Rob Dillingham. Still, with Dillingham being an unproven second-year player, and a soon-to-be 38-year-old Mike Conley being the lone two point guards on the Wolves' standard roster, this was always the most likely position Minnesota would upgrade.
While he's mostly a depth piece, Hyland is capable of playing minutes if injuries arise. Hyland could become a consistent part of the Wolves' rotation if Conley retires after this season. He has averaged 9.5 points and 17.1 minutes for his four-year career. The 6-foot-2 guard is certainly a gifted shot creator. Given Hyland's frame and playstyle, the similarities between him and Dillingham are clear.
Hyland spent the second half of last season with the Wolves on a standard contract. He played in just four games and 17 total minutes with Minnesota. This might not seem promising. Nevertheless, Hyland was a consistent rotation player with the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Clippers during his first two seasons in the league. As a result, if the situation arises, Hyland can provide solid minutes.
For a Wolves team with a rotation that could go up to 10 players, signing someone who would take away minutes from their young players wouldn't be ideal. However, you'd still like someone who isn't a pure depth piece, and that's why bringing Hyland back makes a ton of sense.