Bones Hyland Trade Rumors: Hornets, Timberwolves Linked

The Denver Nuggets were one of the top teams in the NBA throughout the 2022-2023 season. They currently top the Western Conference with a 35-16 record, three games ahead of the second-place Memphis Grizzlies.

Denver has done a fantastic job rebuilding their roster this off-season by acquiring Kentavious Caldwell-Pope from the Washington Wizards and signing Bruce Brown. The health of Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. has also been important, as they provide the Nuggets with a bona fide Big 3.

Despite their success so far, it should come as no surprise that the Nuggets are looking to make some upgrades. They can’t get complacent as the teams behind them in the standings are certainly scouring the league for upgrades of themselves as well.

But it’s a bit surprising who they’re willing to part with. Per #ThisLeague UNCUT with Chris Haynes and Marc Stein, Denver is open to trading sophomore guard Bones Hyland. There are concerns about his ability to be a factor in a playoff setting defensively enough.

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Bones Hyland, Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves & Charlotte Hornets Updates

A difference of opinion can always lead to a change. An explosive goalscorer from the bench, Hyland played well when forced into a bigger role. However, it’s hard to imagine his role changing too much given the good performance of the team.

If Denver can flip Hyland for a player with more rounded two-way skills, they could pull the trigger for a deal. Two teams interested in Hyland as the Minnesota Timberwolves and Charlotte Hornets. If the VCU product were shared, it feels like the Hornets have a better chance of making a deal.

The asking price for the Timberwolves, given the history between the two, would likely be higher than what is being asked in exchange for Charlotte. However, it has been reported that the Nuggets are coming to grips with a deal that would earn them a first-round pick.

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Bones Hyland, Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves & Charlotte Hornets Updates

It’s hard to imagine the Timberwolves or the Hornets being capable of that. Minnesota essentially unloaded all of their draft capital this summer to land Rudy Gobert and the Hornets shouldn’t trade first-round picks given the current state of their franchise.