The Timberwolves officially filled one of their open roster spots Monday by agreeing to terms with Bones Hyland on a one-year deal, the team announced. A source told the Minnesota Star Tribune that Hyland is signing a minimum contract.
Hyland, who turned 25 Sunday, joined the Wolves last season, his fourth in the NBA, on a two-way contract. He appeared in four games with the Wolves after the Los Angeles Clippers traded him to the Atlanta Hawks, who then bought him out of his contract in February. Hyland will add to the Wolves’ backcourt depth behind at point guard behind Mike Conley and Rob Dillingham.
Wolves President Tim Connelly selected Hyland when he was in Denver with the 26th pick in the 2021 NBA draft. Hyland has played for the Nuggets, Clippers and Wolves and has averaged 9.5 points per game on 40% shooting over his career.
The Wolves looked into trading for Hyland when the Nuggets sent him to the Clippers in 2023. The Wolves now have 14 players signed to their main roster ahead of training camp, which opens with media day Sept. 29. They can choose to sign a 15th player or leave that roster slot open as they enter the season.
Leaving it open would potentially provide them with more trade flexibility in season to stay under the second apron threshold. The Wolves have about $3.5 million worth of space under the second apron of the luxury tax, which carries with it roster-building restrictions now and in the future that the Wolves would like to avoid triggering.
This offseason, the Wolves have not re-signed any free agents to the main roster except some of their own, while losing Nickeil Alexander-Walker to Atlanta in a sign-and-trade in free agency.