The Denver Nuggets are thriving right now. Nikola Jokic could be on his way to earning his third consecutive NBA MVP award, and the team holds a 34-15 record. No team has been more successful in the Western Conference. They hold a three-game lead over the second-ranked Memphis Grizzlies.
While the Nuggets likely won’t want to change too much about their current roster, there are some asset management decisions that may need to be made, coupled with a need to address the backup center position.
After his name was bandied in trade exchanges around last June’s NBA Draft, Denver has begun gauging the trade value of Bones Hyland, according to Yahoo Sports.
After his name was discussed in trade conversations around last June’s NBA Draft, Denver has begun gauging the trade value of second-year guard Bones Hyland, sources told Yahoo Sports.
The Nuggets have a decision to make regarding their backup point guard position, previously held by Monte Morris, who was traded to Washington this once offseason — as Hyland and key free-agent acquisition Bruce Brown have both proven their capability to serve as Denver’s reserve lead ball handler.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Nikola Jokic, Bones Hyland, Bruce Brown & Denver Nuggets Updates
Brown is anticipated to decline his $6.9 million player option for the coming season, which could make it difficult for the Nuggets to retain the swingman. While Hyland still has two further years remaining on his deal, an expectation of Brown’s coming payday, plus Hyland’s next contract, has the duty-conscious Nuggets considering their options in the backcourt.
Fischer reporter said that occasional clashes between Hyland and head trainer Michael Malone’s approach have also been a factor in Denver’s trade dialogue. In exchange for Hyland, the Nuggets have expressed an interest in protective- inclined frontcourt players, as Fischer reported, and will search for a player plus a first-round pick.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Nikola Jokic, Bones Hyland, Bruce Brown & Denver Nuggets Updates
Moving Hyland, while prepared for the threat of losing Brown in free agency, will also have Denver considering returns that could net another reserve point guard, Fischer reported. Regarding implicit suitors, former Denver president of basketball operations Tim Connelly, now piloting the Timberwolves ’ frontal office, is still considered a big supporter of Hyland. The Nuggets were linked to Naz Reid in recent NBA trade rumors.
