Leading up to the deadline, there have been reports indicating that the Denver Nuggets would be open to trading their second-year combo guard, Bones Hyland, who could be an interesting addition to the Detroit Pistons.
Denver is currently sitting atop the Western Conference standings, looking to prove that this can be their year come playoff time.
Hyland is averaging 12 points and three assists in just under 20 minutes per game for the West’s best team, serving as one of the first players up off the bench to support the starting cast. He has shot the ball fairly well from three this season, converting on 37.8 percent on close to six attempts per game.
He was the 26th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, and has already shown signs of promise, so why would Denver want to give him up?
Detroit Pistons: Why would Denver trade Bones Hyland?
First and foremost, I’m not sure if the organization fully trusts him to be on the floor come playoff time.
He has a 119.2 defensive rating this season, that’s the worst number on his team amongst guards by a long shot. Bones can certainly improve as a defender, he’s only in his second year in the NBA. But, using Hyland as a trade chip may entice Denver to get a more veteran piece that they are comfortable being a part of a playoff rotation.
It’s also important to note that the Nuggets do not have full control over any of their future first-round draft picks.
This year, their first pick is owed to Charlotte if it falls outside of the lottery. If Denver winds up in the lottery (which they won’t), the pick would turn into another lottery protected first in 2024.
In 2025, Denver owes their first-round pick to Orlando if it falls outside of the top-5. The same goes for 2026 if the pick is not conveyed in the prior year.
Come 2027, Denver owes a top-5 protected first to Oklahoma City. The pick would have to convey in one of the following two years if it’s not settled in 2027.
That makes the organization stretched thin with draft capital, resulting in potential deals with a team prioritizing picks tricky.
So, with a difficulty to trade draft picks to acquire a player to help support a title run, the Nuggets make Bones Hyland available.