The Minnesota Timberwolves are looking to bolster their roster, despite being the top seed in the Western Conference. Lacking depth at the point guard position, the Timberwolves are looking to trade for a capable backup to 36 year-old starter Mike Conley Jr.
Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports reported that they are interested in trading for one of Tyus Jones, Monte Morris, or Bones Hyland.
NBA Rumors: Minnesota Timberwolves Trading for a Point Guard?
Connelly Connection
All three guards share a connection with the Timberwolves.
Jones spent the first four years of his career in Minnesota, establishing himself as a contributor for years to come.
Before he became the president of basketball operations in Minnesota, Tim Connelly made his reputation as general manager of the Denver Nuggets.
In addition to drafting stars such as Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray, Connelly drafted Morris in 2017 and Hyland in 2021. Both players went relatively under the radar prior to the draft, but blossomed during their time in Denver.
Minnesota Trade Target #1: Tyus Jones
Jones left the Timberwolves in free agency for the Memphis Grizzlies in 2019. He would go on to have a successful tenure as the backup to Ja Morant, and was a key component of the Memphis team that finished second in the West in 2021-22 and 2022-23.
The former Kentucky Wildcat was then traded to the Washington Wizards this summer as part of the Kristaps Porziņģis trade. In Washington, the 6’1 guard has started each of the 47 games he has played in. He is averaging 12.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 6.3 assists, while connecting on 40.3% of his triples(a career-high). The Wizards are in a rebuild, and Jones does not fit their timeline.
Rival executives believe the Wizards will be willing to trade Tyus Jones for multiple second-round picks, per @JakeLFischer (https://t.co/CRmPXhPTIt).
Washington’s original asking price for Jones was a first-round pick. pic.twitter.com/DJ82JPaM4Z
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) February 2, 2024
Jones leads the league in assist-to-turnover ratio, and has done so for four of the last five seasons.
Jones is as good of a backup point guard as there is in the NBA, and his addition would certainly be a massive boost to a bench that has operated much of the year without a true point guard. His contract comes off the books after this year. He could certainly be resigned or even promoted, should the Wolves eventually choose to move on from the aging Conley.
Minnesota Trade Target #2: Monte Morris
Morris is another similar option that makes a lot of sense for the Timberwolves. A career backup, Morris will also hit free agency this summer and can be had for cheap.
Morris spent most of his time in Denver as the backup to Murray, becoming a fan favorite in the process.
Now with the ailing Detroit Pistons, Morris recently made his season debut after missing the first 43 games due to injuries.
In 2023, the 28 year-old led the league in assist-to-turnover ratio. He has finished second in the league behind Jones three times in his career.
Minnesota Trade Target #3: Bones Hyland
After a promising rookie season, Hyland’s career is at a standstill. The Nuggets decided to move on from him after internal disagreements, and Hyland was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers last season.
The additions of Russell Westbrook and James Harden have buried him in the depth chart, and he has only appeared in 19 games this season. The Clippers are said to be keen on moving the 23 year-old.
The Clippers are gauging the trade market on Bones Hyland, per @MikeAScotto
(Via https://t.co/MkgJtfWMaG) pic.twitter.com/TXrte9yHJA
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 31, 2024
At his best, Hyland is a dynamic microwave scorer, and one that could appeal to Timberwolves fans. During his rookie season in Denver, he was a fan favorite for his electrifying performances. Hyland has the ability to connect with a home crowd like few others in the NBA.
The former VCU star’s rookie contract will be up in 2025, when he will hit restricted free agency.
Point Guard Needed
The safer option would be one of Morris or Jones. If Minnesota is looking to gamble on a point guard for the future, then Hyland is the choice.
A capable backup point guard will be crucial if the Timberwolves hope to carry their regular season success into the postseason.
