The Minnesota Timberwolves took part in one of the bigger trades ahead of the NBA’s deadline. They took part in a three-team deal that also included the Los Angeles Lakers and Utah Jazz.
As part of that deal, the Timberwolves acquired Mike Conley Jr. and Nickeil Alexander-Walker from the Jazz along with two second-round picks. From the Lakers, the Timberwolves acquired another second-round pick.
It was a trade that many people had reservations about as Conley has struggled this season in Salt Lake City. There was hope that his chemistry with Rudy Gobert from their time together with the Jazz would help get both on track. Also, the deal ensured that Minnesota received something in exchange for D’Angelo Russell, who is set to become a free agent.
That ended up being the only move that the Timberwolves made, but they were very close to completing another deal. On The Scoop with Darren “Doogie” Wolfson, it was revealed that Minnesota nearly finalized a deal to bring Bones Hyland into the fold as well.
Hyland ended up being traded to the LA Clippers by the Denver Nuggets for two second-round picks. Wolfson shared that was a price the Timberwolves were willing to meet, and possibly even pay more. But, the presence of Tim Connelly threw everything for a loop.
“Bones Hyland was the second trade target that they nearly completed (…) They thought they had a deal done, they would have done what the Clippers did. In fact, they would have done more but you’ve heard me mention this… there was a thought that the Denver ownership group was not willing to help Tim Connelly here in Minnesota.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Bones Hyland, LA Clippers & Minnesota Timberwolves Updates
Connelly’s exit from Denver is one that ruffled some feathers, as he took over as president of basketball operations for the Timberwolves after holding the same position with the Nuggets. Given how things ended, it was fair for them to assume there could be some animosity in negotiations, but it wasn’t in the cards.
Hyland would have provided Minnesota with a much-needed scoring punch to their backcourt coming off the bench. He has shown the ability to be a microwave scorer thus far in his NBA career and with Russell on his way out of town, the Timberwolves certainly could have used that addition.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Bones Hyland, LA Clippers & Minnesota Timberwolves Updates
With Karl-Anthony Towns sidelined, all of the offensive onus is falling on Anthony Edwards’ shoulders. Hyland would have helped alleviate some of that pressure, but it wasn’t meant to be for the Timberwolves.
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