Bones Hyland is currently the frontrunner to claim the Minnesota Timberwolves’ final roster spot, edging out Malcolm Brogdon, Cameron Payne, and Landry Shamet, according to NBA insider Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic. This potential move comes as the Timberwolves prepare for the upcoming season, aiming to solidify their lineup with players who fit their strategies and roster needs.
Background and Performance of Hyland and Competitors
Hyland signed a two-way contract with Minnesota in February of last season, spending time both with the Timberwolves and briefly in their G League affiliate in Iowa. Over 24 games last season playing for the Los Angeles Clippers and the Timberwolves, Hyland averaged 6.2 points, 1.0 rebound, and 1.3 assists per game, while shooting 39.8% from the field, 39.0% from three-point range, and an impressive 88.5% from the free-throw line.
The Timberwolves have also considered unrestricted free agents Malcolm Brogdon, Cameron Payne, and Landry Shamet for the roster spot. Brogdon played for the Washington Wizards last season, appearing in 24 games with averages of 12.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 4.1 assists. His shooting percentages included 43.3% from the field and 28.6% from beyond the arc, alongside an 88.0% free throw rate.
Meanwhile, Cameron Payne featured prominently for the New York Knicks in 72 games last season. He averaged 6.9 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 2.8 assists, with shooting splits of 40.1% overall, 36.3% from three-point territory, and 90.7% at the free-throw line. Landry Shamet, also with the Knicks, played 50 games, contributing 5.7 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 0.5 assists per game. Shamet shot 46.1% from the field and 39.7% from three-point range but had a lower free-throw percentage at 66.7%.
Timberwolves’ Recent History and Projected Starting Lineup
Last season, the Minnesota Timberwolves reached the conference finals for the second year in a row, eventually falling to the Oklahoma City Thunder in five games. Heading into the new season, the team’s expected starting five include Mike Conley, Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, Julius Randle, and Rudy Gobert, with the organization seeking the optimal balance for their bench and rotation players.
Team’s Strategic Roster Decisions and Future Outlook
League sources informed The Athletic that while the Timberwolves explored multiple candidates, all signs point to Bones Hyland securing the final roster spot. His existing familiarity with the team and potential for growth give him an advantage over Brogdon, Payne, and Shamet, all of whom entered this off-season as free agents. The decision carries significant weight as Minnesota aims to improve on last season’s deep playoff run and advance further in the playoffs.
The Wolves have looked into several candidates for the spot, including Malcolm Brogdon, Cam Payne and Landry Shamet, league sources told The Athletic,
—Jon Krawczynski, NBA Insider
However, all indications are that Bones Hyland is the front-runner to get that final spot, league sources said. Hyland signed a two-way contract with the Wolves in February, played briefly in Iowa and spent the rest of his time with the Timberwolves.
—Jon Krawczynski, NBA Insider