NBA Trade Season Opens, But Don’t Expect the Timberwolves to Make a Move Just Yet
December 15 marks an unofficial but important checkpoint on the NBA calendar: the opening of trade season. As of today, 82 players who signed contracts this past offseason are now eligible to be traded - that’s about 17 percent of the league. While not every player who inked a deal this summer is eligible just yet (some have to wait until January 15), this date does open the door for front offices to get more creative with their rosters.
It’s not typically the day for blockbuster deals - last year’s notable December trade sent Dennis Schröder to the Lakers, but it wasn’t exactly a league-shaker. Still, this is when the trade chatter starts to heat up, and teams begin laying the groundwork for moves that could materialize closer to the February deadline.
For the Minnesota Timberwolves, today’s change in trade eligibility status means three names are now officially on the board: Julius Randle, Bones Hyland, and Joe Ingles. One key name, Naz Reid, remains ineligible until mid-January. But even with these players technically available, don’t expect Minnesota to rush into any deals.
Let’s break it down.
Julius Randle: Playing Like a Star, Priced Like a Bargain
Of the three, Julius Randle is the headliner - and for good reason. In his second season with the Timberwolves, Randle has been a consistent force.
He’s averaging 23.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game, shooting an efficient 49.5% from the field, 35.4% from deep, and 83.1% from the line. That’s a rock-solid stat line for a player who’s been asked to do a bit of everything.
What makes Randle so valuable to Minnesota isn’t just the numbers - it’s the fit. His ability to create his own shot, facilitate offense, and handle physical matchups gives the Wolves a dynamic complement to Anthony Edwards. The chemistry between the two has been growing, and the Wolves’ offense looks more fluid with Randle operating as a secondary playmaker.
He’s also locked in on a very team-friendly contract: three years, $100 million. That’s a sweet spot in today’s market for a borderline All-Star.
It also makes him a potential trade chip if the Wolves wanted to chase a bigger fish - but that’s a big “if.” Unless Minnesota sees a clear upgrade, moving Randle doesn’t make much sense.
Right now, he’s playing like the kind of guy you build with, not around.
Bones Hyland: From Afterthought to X-Factor?
Bones Hyland’s season started quietly, but he’s made some noise lately - and it couldn’t have come at a better time. With Anthony Edwards sidelined, Hyland stepped into the starting lineup and delivered back-to-back strong performances, scoring 14 and 18 points in those games. His quick-trigger scoring and ability to create off the dribble gave the Wolves a much-needed jolt.
At 6-foot-2, Hyland isn’t a traditional floor general, but he brings something this Wolves team has been missing: a confident shot creator off the bench who can swing momentum in a hurry. That kind of spark plug role is often undervalued until you need it - and Minnesota needed it.
Could Hyland be included in a trade package if the Wolves look to bolster their point guard rotation? Sure.
But right now, he’s playing like a guy who deserves a longer look. If he continues to produce, Minnesota may decide they already have their answer at backup PG - or at least a key piece of it.
Depth matters, and Hyland is making his case to be part of the long-term plan.
Joe Ingles: Veteran Voice, Not Trade Bait
Joe Ingles isn’t logging heavy minutes, but his value to the Wolves goes beyond the box score. Brought back on a one-year deal, the 38-year-old has mostly seen the floor in garbage time or for the occasional inbound play. But in the locker room and on the sidelines, he’s a steadying presence - a veteran voice who’s been through it all.
And here’s the kicker: Ingles has the ability to veto any trade. That, combined with his respected role within the team, makes it highly unlikely we see him moved.
Even if the Wolves need to make the money work in a bigger deal, they’ll probably look elsewhere. Ingles isn’t just a contract - he’s a culture guy, and those are harder to replace than people think.
The Big Picture: Wolves Likely Standing Pat - For Now
So what does all this mean for Minnesota as trade season kicks off? In short: don’t expect fireworks just yet.
Roster continuity has served the Wolves well this season, and there’s no pressing need to shake things up. Julius Randle is thriving, Bones Hyland is emerging, and Joe Ingles is fulfilling his role as a veteran anchor.
That said, the Wolves will keep an eye on the market. Players like Tre Jones are now trade-eligible, and as the deadline approaches, opportunities could arise. But for now, Minnesota’s best move might be no move at all.
The Timberwolves are in a good spot - and sometimes, the smartest play is to let things ride.