Should Wolves Reunite with Former Star in the Buyout Market?
The Minnesota Timberwolves are navigating the NBA trade landscape as they eye the rapidly approaching Feb. 5 trade deadline. With a recent surge in performance from players like Bones Hyland and Joan Beringer, the team faces a crucial decision on whether to trade or explore the buyout market for reinforcements.
Could Wolves Reunite with Former Star in the Buyout Market?
Tim Connelly, the Timberwolves’ president of basketball operations, is considering his options. KSTP’s Darren Wolfson suggested on the SKOR North’s Flagrant Howls podcast that Kyle Anderson, a former Timberwolves player, might be a viable buyout option if the Utah Jazz choose that route. Anderson’s situation deserves close attention as the trade deadline approaches.
Kyle Anderson’s Current Status
Kyle Anderson, 32, has seen limited playing time this season with the Utah Jazz, participating in only 13 of their 40 games. His performance has been sporadic, with a standout game on January 7, where he scored 22 points, grabbed eight rebounds, and contributed two steals and an assist against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Given Utah’s challenging season, Anderson is poised to be a prime candidate for a late-season buyout. This opens the possibility for the Timberwolves to re-acquire a familiar player who can add depth to their roster.
The Timberwolves’ Current Roster Dynamics
- The Timberwolves have won seven of their last ten games.
- They recently defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 139-106 without star players Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert.
- Currently, Minnesota ranks fourth in the Western Conference, trailing San Antonio and Denver by a narrow margin.
With the emergence of Bones Hyland as a reliable bench player, the urgency to secure a new guard has somewhat diminished. Instead, retaining and strengthening the current roster might be the priority for Minnesota as they strive for a strong postseason run.
Benefits of Reuniting with Anderson
If Minnesota decides to pursue Kyle Anderson, they would be adding a player with significant experience in their system, having played for the Timberwolves from 2022 to 2024. His return could provide valuable veteran leadership and bolster the second unit’s performance, particularly when Rudy Gobert is off the court.
As the Timberwolves weigh their options, the possibility of reuniting with Anderson remains intriguing. If the situation develops, Minnesota could enhance its chances for a successful season as they aim for a deep playoff run.
