NBA Trade Rumors: Ahead of next month’s NBA Trade Deadline, the Denver Nuggets are gauging the trade value of Bones Hyland.
Through the first half (and then some) of the season, the Denver Nuggets have emerged as somewhat of the class of the Western Conference. They have the best record in the West and have been one of the most consistently good teams so far this season in the NBA.
Heading into the NBA Trade Deadline, this is a team that should be looking to solidify itself as a true contender in the West. And it appears that’s exactly what the team is going to try to do over the next week and a half.
According to a recent report, the Nuggets appear at least open to the idea of trading Bones Hyland at the trade deadline in exchange for a defensive frontcourt player. They are gauging his trade value ahead of the deadline. It’s far from a guarantee that they will trade him, but the possibility, at least, is present. Especially if the right deal comes across the table.
In just his second season in the league, Hyland has emerged as a dynamic offensive weapon off the bench for the Nuggets. He’s averaging 12 points and three assists per game on 39 percent shooting from 3-point range. Still, the Nuggets are open to moving him for the stretch run.
The Denver Nuggets want to load up on defense for the stretch run
It appears that this report is more about the Nuggets than it is about Hyland. With two years on his rookie deal before an extension needs t take place or before he can test free agency, Hyland is a great asset for the Nuggets. However, it’s clear that this team is willing to swap out Hyland for a defensive-minded wing.
And if the Nuggets are going to indeed make that deep run in the West playoffs and perhaps finally break through to the NBA Finals, they’re absolutely going to need to be firm on the defensive end of the floor.
The Nuggets have a top 3 offense but just the 14th-ranked defense heading into the weekend. Generally, championship contenders want at least a top-10 defense heading into the playoffs. In the postseason, offenses slow down. And it could drastically impact the way teams score. But defensive usually travels.
The Nuggets know that and want to solidify that before the stretch run. It’s smart. And it’s absolutely something the Nuggets should be exploring before the trade deadline.