RealGM Basketball Wiretap

18 September 2025

• Wolves Sign Nojel Eastern

  The Minnesota Timberwolves have signed guard Nojel Eastern.

  Eastern, 6-5, has appeared in 68 games (38 starts) in two seasons with the Iowa Wolves, the NBA G League affiliate of the Timberwolves, averaging 9.8 points on 50.4% shooting, 5.6 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.3 steals in 27.0 minutes per game.

  This past season, Eastern saw action in 29 games (23 starts) for Iowa, averaging career highs in points (12.9 ppg), shooting percentage (51.4%), including three-point shooting (41.9%) and assists (2.9 apg), to go along with 5.4 rebounds and 1.4 steals in 30.0 minutes per game.

• Bones Hyland, Wolves Sign Deal

  The Minnesota Timberwolves have re-signed guard Bones Hyland. Hyland and the Wolves have long been expected to eventually reach agreement on a deal.

  The 6-2 guard completed his fourth season in the NBA where he appeared in 24 total games with the LA Clippers and Timberwolves. During the 2024-25 season, Hyland averaged 6.2 points on 39.8% shooting, including a career-high 39.0% from three and 1.3 assists in 10.0 minutes per game.

  Signed to a Two-Way contract by the Wolves on Feb. 27, Hyland holds career averages of 9.5 points, 2.2 rebounds and 2.6 assists throughout 186 games (10 starts) with the Denver Nuggets, Clippers and Timberwolves. He earned All-Rookie Second Team honors in 2021-22 after averaging 10.1 points on 40.3% shooting, 2.7 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 19.0 minutes per game.

  Tim Connelly was general manager of the Nuggets when the team drafted Hyland with the 26th overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft.

• Naz Reid's Sister Victim Of Homicide In New Jersey

  Naz Reid's older sister, Toraya Reid, was shot and killed on Saturday in New Jersey. A suspect who was in a "dating relationship" with Toraya Reid has been arrested and charged with murder, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and unlawful possession of a weapon in connection with her death.

  Toraya Reid, 28, was the oldest of three Reid children.

  "My older sister is super protective," Naz once told Minneapolis-St. Paul magazine about Toraya. "She treats us like she's our parent."

• Tim Connelly Opts Into Final Two Years Of Contract With Timberwolves

  Minnesota Timberwolves president of basketball operations Tim Connelly opted into the final two years of his contract with the team, sources told Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic.

  His deal had an opt-out clause for this summer. Instead of becoming a free agent or renegotiating a new deal, Connelly will be under contract with the Timberwolves for two more seasons.

  The deal originally had an opt-out clause for 2024 summer, though Connelly pushed back the option due to the uncertainty surrounding the organization as Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez took over ownership from Glen Taylor.

  At least four teams from around the league had contacted Connelly to see if he would leave the Timberwolves.

• Malcolm Brogdon Draws Interest From Warriors, Knicks, Wolves

  Malcolm Brogdon has attracted interest from the Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks and Minnesota Timberwolves as teams navigate roster decisions and luxury tax considerations in the extended free agency period.

  The Warriors' pursuit of Brogdon remains tied to their ongoing restricted free agent stalemate with Jonathan Kuminga. Golden State's interest level will become clearer once they resolve Kuminga's situation and complete anticipated signings.

  The Warriors are expected to sign Al Horford, De'Anthony Melton, Gary Payton II, and second-round pick Will Richard pending roster clarity. These moves have been delayed by the Kuminga negotiations and luxury tax implications.

  The Knicks and Timberwolves have also placed Brogdon on their radar during the extended free agency period. Both organizations are among the teams simultaneously monitoring Malik Beasley's availability following his cleared federal investigation.

  Minnesota faces additional roster complications as they work through financial details for re-signing Bones Hyland. The Timberwolves are actively negotiating terms to retain the guard while managing salary cap constraints.

  Brogdon's market remains fluid as teams await resolution of other roster moves before making concrete offers. Brogdon is coming off his two-year, $45 million contract extension signed with the Indiana Pacers during the 2021 offseason. Brogdon was traded to the Boston Celtics in 2022 and then to the Portland Trail Blazers in 2023. Brogdon spent last season with the Washington Wizards.

• Malik Beasley Draws Interest From Cavaliers, Knicks, Timberwolves, Pistons

  Malik Beasley is no longer the target of a federal gambling investigation, prompting four NBA teams to express interest in the sharpshooter who shot 41.6% from three-point range last season. League sources indicate that the Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks, Minnesota Timberwolves and Detroit Pistons have contacted Beasley's representation regarding a potential signing. The Pistons were expected to re-sign Beasley to a three-year, $42 million deal before the investigation emerged.

  However, Front Office Sports' Alex Schiffer reported that Beasley still faces potential legal hurdles before returning to the league. The NBA is expected to conduct its own investigation into Beasley.

  None of the conversations have advanced to deal-making stages at this point. Teams continue monitoring Beasley's situation while awaiting clarity on his availability.

  Beasley will seek a contract above the veteran minimum once cleared to play, sources say. His strong three-point shooting performance last season on high volume should command such compensation if off-court obstacles are resolved.

  Beasley's availability has created late-summer intrigue in the free agent marketplace. Teams view his shooting ability as valuable despite the ongoing uncertainty surrounding his status.

  Beasley's situation remains fluid as multiple parties await resolution of any remaining legal matters and the league's internal review process.

• Wolves Hire Matthew Caldwell As CEO

  The Minnesota Timberwolves have hired Matthew Caldwell as the new CEO on a 10-year contract. Caldwell comes over to the Wolves from the NHL's Florida Panthers and becomes the first major hire of the ownership tenure of Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez.

  "Our vision is for the Timberwolves and Lynx to set a new standard of excellence in pro sports, and we're confident that Matthew is the leader needed to make that a reality," Lore and Rodriguez said in a statement issued by the team.

  Caldwell initially joined the Panthers as chief operating officer in 2014 and was promoted to CEO in 2016.

  Panthers owner Vincent Viola said Caldwell helped "instill a culture of excellence."

  "There are very few opportunities I would advise him to pursue, but working with Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore on a global platform like the NBA is at the top of that list," Viola said in a statement provided by the Panthers. "It's tremendously bittersweet for our family, but we recognize this is an exceptional opportunity and great next step in his career. Matt's impact on our organization has been immeasurable, and he leaves with our respect and gratitude."

• Pistons, Wolves Have 'Recently' Contacted Malik Beasley

  The Detroit Pistons and Minnesota Timberwolves have recently reached out to Malik Beasley, sources told Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.

  The Knicks and Cavs have also previously been in contact with Beasley. The Cavs announced on Tuesday that Max Strus will miss the next 3-4 months after undergoing surgery on his left foot.

  It was reported last week that Beasley is no longer the target of a federal gambling investigation.

  The Pistons can offer Beasley a deal worth up to $7.2 million for next season.

  Beasley averaged 16.3 points off the bench for the Pistons last year.

• Timberwolves Looking To Re-Sign Bones Hyland

  The Minnesota Timberwolves are looking to bring back Bones Hyland, sources told Jake Fischer of The People's Insider.

  The 24-year-old averaged 6.2 points last season between the Clippers and Wolves.

  Hyland appeared in four games after signing a two-way deal with the Wolves last season.

• Timberwolves Waive Jesse Edwards

  The Minnesota Timberwolves waived center Jesse Edwards from his two-way contract. Edwards has agreed to a contract with Melbourne United of Australia's NBL for the upcoming season.

  In 34 games with the Iowa Wolves of the G League, Edwards averaged 11.9 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game. The 7-footer signed his two-way qualifying offer with Minnesota earlier this offseason, but the team will reportedly be bringing back Tristen Newton on a two-way deal. Newton will join Enrique Freeman and rookie center Rocco Zikarsky as the Timberwolves two-way players this season.