Because of their proximity to the second tax apron, the Timberwolves might solely carry 14 gamers on commonplace contracts to open the 2025/26 season, Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic writes. Whereas Minnesota has checked in on a number of free agent guards, together with Cameron Payne, Malcolm Brogdon and Landry Shamet, all indicators level to the workforce signing Bones Hyland to fill the 14th spot, Krawczynski reviews.
Hyland signed a two-way contract with the Wolves final season, showing in 4 video games. As Krawczynski notes, Hyland was a former first-round decide by president of basketball operations Tim Connelly.
Whereas breaking down the roster, Krawczynski writes that Johnny Juzang — who agreed to a coaching camp take care of the Wolves — is an extended shot to make the minimize however that Luka Garza pressured his method onto the workforce with related odds final 12 months. Younger gamers like Jaylen Clark, Rob Dillingham and Terrence Shannon Jr. are anticipated to have bigger roles this 12 months, Krawczynski provides.
Now we have extra from the Western Convention:
- A gaggle led by the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes proprietor Tom Dundon reached settlement to purchase the Path Blazers on Wednesday. That group consists of Sheel Tyle, co-CEO of Collective International who’s married to Dr. Sejal Hathi, the pinnacle of Oregon Well being Authority, Sean Highkin of Rose Backyard Report writes (Substack subscriber hyperlink). The group’s native ties via Tyle is one of some causes that group stood out, per Highkin.
- Following up on a report that steered the Rockets is likely to be reluctant to signal Kevin Durant to a most extension, Tim MacMahon mentioned on an NBA Right this moment look that there merely is not any urgency to finish a long-term settlement. MacMahon mentioned the Rockets produce other issues to take care of, together with an extension for Tari Eason. “Kevin Durant is their greatest participant, he’s not essentially their precedence,” MacMahon mentioned. “That’s not an insult to him, their precedence is ensuring they’ve as lengthy of a runway as attainable whereas attempting to money in on this window that they created by getting Kevin Durant.“
- Loads of “ifs” stand in the best way of the Suns making the playoffs, Gerald Bourguet of PHNX Sports activities writes. Whereas they might be a shock workforce if issues break the appropriate method, Bourguet has them simply on the surface wanting in of the Western Convention playoff image for subsequent season, sitting at No. 11 in his energy rankings. The Suns mainly remade their depth after buying and selling away Durant and waiving Bradley Beal, including the likes of Jalen Inexperienced, Dillon Brooks and Mark Williams through trades.
