The Denver Nuggets have been one of the best teams in the NBA throughout the 2022-23 season. They are currently atop the Western Conference with a record of 35-16, three games ahead of the second-place Memphis Grizzlies.
Denver did a wonderful job remaking their roster this offseason, 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 bonafide Big 3.
Despite their success thus far, it should come as no surprise that the Nuggets are looking to make some upgrades. They cannot get complacent, as the teams behind them in the standings are certainly scouring the league for upgrades of their own as well.
But it is a bit surprising who they are willing to part ways with. Per #ThisLeague UNCUT with Chris Haynes and Marc Stein, Denver is open to trading second-year guard Bones Hyland. There are concerns about his ability to be enough of a factor defensively in a playoff setting.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Bones Hyland, Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves & Charlotte Hornets Updates
A difference in opinions can always lead to a change being made. Hyland is an explosive scorer off the bench and played well when pressed into a larger role. However, it is hard to envision his role changing too much given how well the team is performing.
If Denver can flip Hyland for a player with a more well-rounded two-way skill set, they could pull the trigger on a deal. Two teams interested in Hyland as the Minnesota Timberwolves and Charlotte Hornets. If the VCU product were to be dealt, it feels as if the Hornets would have a stronger chance at making a deal.
The asking price for the Timberwolves, given the history between the two, would likely be higher than what is being asked for in return from Charlotte. However, it has been reported that the Nuggets are making traction on a deal that would land them a first-round pick.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Bones Hyland, Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves & Charlotte Hornets Updates
It is hard to imagine either the Timberwolves or Hornets being in a position to do that. Minnesota unloaded essentially all of their draft capital to land Rudy Gobert this summer and the Hornets should not be trading first-round picks given the current state of their franchise.
