Timberwolves add Bones Hyland on two-way deal

. . . and convert Jaylen Clark to NBA two-year contract.

By Jace Frederick, Pioneer Press – February 26, 2025

Jaylen Clark has taken advantage of his opportunities since entering the rotation a month ago, serving as one of the Timberwolves’ prime perimeter defenders. His physicality and relentlessness have set the tone on that end of the floor, all while playing heady offense.

Minnesota is choosing to reward Clark,23, for his sound play, as the Wolves plan to him to a guaranteed, minimum-level contract for the remainder of this season and all of next, a source confirmed.

Clark, chosen by Minnesota in the second round of the 2023 NBA Draft, had been playing on a two-way deal meant for players bouncing between the G-League and the NBA. He tore his Achilles in his final collegiate season at UCLA and spent most of his rookie season rehabbing.

Los Angeles Clippers guard Bones Hyland (5) reacts to making a three point basket during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Washington Wizards, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, in Washington. The Timberwolves plan to sign Hyland to a two-way contract. | AP Photo/Terrance Williams

When finally getting  the chance to compete on the NBA floor, Clark has delivered.

He fills Minnesota’s last open full-time roster spot. His deal opened up a two-way spot for the Timberwolves, who are choosing to use the spot on Bones Hyland, a source confirmed. ESPN was the first to report the news Wednesday.

Hyland, 24, is a scoring guard who shined as a rookie in Denver under the watchful eye of current Timberwolves basketball boss Tim Connelly, who selected Hyland in the first round of the 2021 draft when Connelly was with the Nuggets.

It’s been rough going ever since for Hyland. He was traded from Denver to the Clippers midway through his second season, and his minutes with Los Angeles slowly deteriorated until he was finally traded to Atlanta and subsequently waived this season. This is a low-risk move that allows Connelly and Co. to reunite with Hyland and see if they can get him back on track.

Hyland is expected to start his organizational tenure with the G-League team in Iowa.

TOP PHOTO: Minnesota Timberwolves guard Jaylen Clark (22) reacts after making a basket at the buzzer against the Houston Rockets during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Feb. 21, 2025, in Houston. Clark’s shot was overturned by official review. The Wolves plan to give Clark a two-year, guaranteed contract. | AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith