Sitting 7th in the West, the Minnesota Timberwolves are in need of some consistency and wins on the trot to cement a playoff position. They’re 5W-5L in their last 10, and that’s mostly down to Anthony Edwards‘ scintillating form. But he’s in line for a punishment that’ll reduce his game time, and they’re without longstanding center Karl Anthony-Towns for the first time in 10 years. They’re in need of some quality in their lineup for success. And according to Shams Charania of the NBA, that’s exactly what they’ve gone and done.

The first one isn’t much of a ‘signing’ by definition, but a relative newcomer nonetheless. Shooting guard Jaylen Clark was a college sensation coming out of UCLA. He was already the Bruins’ talisman during his third year and was in sight of coming into the NBA as one of the hottest youngsters in years. But a ruptured right Achilles tendon in mid-2023 set him back by about 8-10 months, ruining his hopes of a blistering entry into the Association.

He still chose to declare himself for the 2023 NBA draft, and got picked up by the Wolves in the second round as the 53rd overall pick. He signed a two-way contract with the Minnesota outfit, but was subsequently sent to their G-League affiliates Iowa Wolves for rehabilitation. His agent Todd Ramasar of Life Sports Agency told ESPN that he’s now set to sign a two-year NBA contract with Wolves, hoping to show the same talent in the majors.

The second signing comes in the form of free agent Bones Hyland. Born Nah’Shon Lee Hyland, the Delaware native played for the VCU Rams at a collegiate level. Averaging 13.6 points and 3.3 rebounds while shooting with a 44.1 FG%, he declared himself for the 2021 NBA draft after playing for 2 years. The 24-year-old was subsequently picked up by the Denver Nuggets, becoming the Rams’ first draft pick in 11 years.

His NBA career didn’t pan out as hoped though. Bones didn’t even manage to add a championship ring despite the Mile High Club winning the thing in 2023, after being traded to the Clippers mid-season. He showed glimpses of brilliance, like the career-high 37-point showing against the Suns for the Lob City. The Clippers traded him to the Hawks earlier this month, but was eventually waived the next day. He now signs a two-way contract with the Wolves, hoping to rejuvinate himself in the NBA.

Worry for Wolves as Anthony Edwards faces possible punishment

Ant is one of the sole reasons the Wolves even have a shot at the playoffs. He’s averaging 27.5 points and 6 rebounds in the 57 games he’s played this season, but the stats alone don’t even paint half the picture. The rest of the canvas is covered by his attitude and mentality to be able to perform at a high level consistently. But he’s possibly facing a one-game suspension due to reaching the limit of technical fouls.

The 12 fouls before the All-Star weekend and the 2 after means he’s on edge with 14 technical fouls for the season. This means he’s just two away from a one-game suspension. But after seeing his 13th and 14th being awarded under avoidable circumstances, Wolves fans have the right to worry that the suspension is coming sooner rather than later.

During the loss to table-topping Thunder, he was fast approaching the basket during the third quarter. After missing the left handed shot, he felt some contact from the Thunder defenders. He reacted furiously at the ref upon not being awarded the foul, which caused the 14th foul to be called in his name. But that’s not all- after reaching the 16th, he’ll be suspended for a game for every two technical fouls he draws on the hardwood.

Ant being on edge for the rest of the season will have an obvious impact on his game, due to his usual aggression being the forefront of his playstyle. Chris Finch has signed two players in the form of Jaylen Clark and Bones Hyland, which will hope to ease the pressure off Edwards’ shoulders and bring some depth and rotation into the squad.