NBA Rumors: Nuggets "Gauging Trade Interest" For Young Player

He's played a crucial role off the bench this season for the Denver Nuggets, bringing energy and often changing the game's complexion when needed. But now, second-year guard Bones Hyland is being shopped by the Nuggets. 

Denver has begun gauging the trade value of Bones Hyland, per @JakeLFischer pic.twitter.com/kml3N5WVFi

— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) January 27, 2023

NBA Insider Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports says a number of factors are contributing to the fact that the Nuggets are considering dealing their young scorer, from alternates for his role, to money, to possible personality clashes.

After his name was discussed in trade conversations around last June's NBA Draft, Denver began gauging the trade value of (Hyland), sources said. The Nuggets have a decision to make regarding the team's backup point guard positoin... as Hyland and standout free agent acquisition Bruce Brown have both proven their ability to function as Denver's reserve lead ballhandler. 

An anticipation of Brown's next payday, plus Hyland's upcoming second contract, has the tax-conscious Nuggets considering their options in the backcourt. Occasional clashes between Hyland and head coach Michael Malone's old-school mentality have also been a factor in Denver's trade dialogue, sources said.

The return the Nuggets are looking for, according to the report, is defensive-minded frontcourt players. This jibes with recent comments from Malone about Hyland's defensive deficiencies. 

"When Bones comes in or Ish (Smith) comes in, we have to do some different things defensively to account for their lack of size, if you will,” Malone said. 

Hyland, 22, is averaging 12.4 points in right about 20 minutes per game, along with 3.1 assists, while shooting 38.5% from long range. 

 Photo: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports