The Denver Nuggets are currently sitting atop the Western Conference with a record of 34-16, two games clear of the second-place Memphis Grizzlies. Things have gone excellently for them this season, with back-to-back NBA MVP Nikola Jokic leading the way and putting together another MVP-caliber season.
It is certainly helpful having Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. back in the lineup as Jokic had to do a lot of the heavy lifting himself last season. The supporting cast was also upgraded in the offseason with the trade acquisition of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and the free agent signing of Bruce Brown.
Not looking to rest on their laurels, the Nuggets are on the lookout for upgrades to make to their roster. Without first-round picks to offer, making a splash acquisition likely won’t be in the cards for Denver. However, given the team’s success thus far this season, even a marginal upgrade could help push them over the top.
To accomplish that feat, they have engaged in trade talks centered around their second-year guard, Bones Hyland. As shared by Mike Singer of The Denver Post, the Nuggets are not only receiving calls for Hyland but canvassing the league for a deal as well.
The Nuggets are gauging the value for Bones Hyland ahead of next week’s trade deadline, including both canvassing the league and taking calls on the second-year guard, two league sources told The Denver Post.
Ahead of next Thursday’s trade deadline, the Nuggets are seeking players with two-way skills on similar, cost-controlled contracts as Hyland has in addition to pick compensation. The Nuggets believe they have traction on potentially acquiring a first-round pick, sources said.
Landing a first-round pick would provide Denver the chance to make another deal to upgrade whatever part of their roster they believe needs to be shaken up.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Bones Hyland & Denver Nuggets Updates
Among the needs the team faces are the backup center position, linking them to Naz Reid of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Keep in mind, former Nuggets President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly now runs the Wolves’ front office.
With Jokic and Murray running the show in the starting five and Brown a capable facilitator as well, Denver could be comfortable moving on from Hyland for a player that impacts the game more as a two-way threat than just an offensive dynamo.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Bones Hyland & Denver Nuggets Updates
On the season, Hyland is averaging 12.3 points and 3.0 assists in 19.9 minutes per game off the bench. He is knocking down 37.9 percent of his 3-point attempts this season and would provide whichever team acquires him with instant offense off the bench.
