While NBA free agency doesn’t begin until the early evening on June 30, teams are currently able to sign extensions with their own impending free agents. We have seen a few players brought back by their respective clubs, including a pair of Phoenix Suns guards.
One of those is Jordan Goodwin. Phoenix is bringing back the 27-year-old on a three-year deal worth $19 million (player option in the third). While they aren’t exactly alike, the Minnesota Timberwolves guard Bones Hyland could ask for a similar deal.
Hyland played on a minimum deal last season
Last season, Hyland was re-signed by the Wolves on a one-year minimum deal with a little less than $2.5 million. His production during the season certainly was worth more than your typical minimum- salary guy.
On the season, Hyland posted averages of 8.5 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 2.6 assists while connecting on 38.8 percent of his 3-point tries. That’s similar to Goodwin’s averages of 8.7 points and 2.2 assists, but Goodwin played nearly six minutes more per contest.
Now, a distinct advantage that Goodwin has over Hyland is his ability to rebound, particularly on the offensive end. Goodwin also possesses more size than Hyland does, and his active hands make him much more impactful on the defensive end.
The edge in scoring and shooting though, seems to go to Hyland. Few can match his quickness in the league, and he often looks to start transition opportunities. Bones is also about two years younger than Goodwin.
Now, Hyland may have seen the value on his next contract decline with a subpar performance in this year’s playoffs.
Chris Finch eventually took him out of the rotation against the San Antonio Spurs. That continues postseason struggles that he has experienced thus far in his career, as in 23 career playoff games, Bones is shooting just 33.6 percent from the field and 28.0 percent from beyond the arc.
Unfortunately, Goodwin missed the last three games of the opening round against the Oklahoma City Thunder with a left calf strain.
I believe the Timberwolves would bring back Bones on another minimum deal. If they bring back Ayo Dosunmu, though, they’re likely to be an apron team. If Hyland is looking for a deal similar to Goodwin, there’s a possibility that the Timberwolves will allow him to leave.
I expect Minnesota to bring back Mike Conley, and there is a strong possibility they trade for a lead guard, which would lessen the need for Hyland.
