RealGM

It came as a bit of a surprise when the Denver Nuggets were reported to be shopping Bones Hyland in trade talks. Hyland is an up-and-coming, which made it surprising that Denver would consider moving him.

However, Hyland reportedly has had friction with the Nuggets coaching staff. The second-year guard would like a bigger role, but Denver has concerns about Hyland's ability to hold up defensively.

One team reportedly interested in the Minnesota Timberwolves. Wolves front office leader Tim Connelly originally drafted Hyland when he led the Nuggets basketball operations. There remains some bitterness from Denver toward Connelly for how he left the Nuggets for the Wolves this past summer. That could be a holdup towards a deal.

The Charlotte Hornets are also interested in Hyland. If Charlotte moves on from some of their veterans, they would be looking to rebuild their team around LaMelo Ball with younger players.

Via Chris Haynes/This League Uncut

I'm a Wolves fan. I like Bones. If we can get him for a second round pick or a player we don't use I'm all in. Jalen Nowell for Bones.

I’m very concerned about Bones defense, and his willingness to abandon the team’s defensive scheme.

DEN fans, is my concern unfounded?

shrink wrote:I’m very concerned about Bones defense, and his willingness to abandon the team’s defensive scheme.

DEN fans, is my concern unfounded?

Well, it is not. Bones is pretty awful defender and very often hijacks offense, he´ll drible the ball whole possesion and take 30ft jump shot. So that´s why his future with Denver might be coming to end.

But! The talent is undeniable. He can make some incredible shots, is great crowd pleasurer and so sweet with the media. I wrote before- saying I don´t like Bones is like saying I don´t like puppies.

I can imagine him having Jamal Crawford-like career scoring 40, 50 points of the bench for several teams. But that is not what Nuggets need right now. But the selling price seems so low Denver will kind of regret this.

Maf wrote:

shrink wrote:I’m very concerned about Bones defense, and his willingness to abandon the team’s defensive scheme.

DEN fans, is my concern unfounded?

Well, it is not. Bones is pretty awful defender and very often hijacks offense, he´ll drible the ball whole possesion and take 30ft jump shot. So that´s why his future with Denver might be coming to end.

But! The talent is undeniable. He can make some incredible shots, is great crowd pleasurer and so sweet with the media. I wrote before- saying I don´t like Bones is like saying I don´t like puppies.

I can imagine him having Jamal Crawford-like career scoring 40, 50 points of the bench for several teams. But that is not what Nuggets need right now. But the selling price seems so low Denver will kind of regret this.

Thank you. I really appreciate this insight.

MIN might still have a role for him. Jaylen Nowell was supposed to be our scorer off the bench, but for some reason, he suddenly can’t shoot, hyland is under team control for a couple more years, which is important for a non-FA destination like MIN. And also, Tim Connelly drafted him.

But MIN likely needs defense more than offense, especially if he was paired with Anthony Edwards, who we want conserving his energy. MIN should have plenty of offensive firepower, but a spark off the bench could be welcome.

Maf wrote:

shrink wrote:I’m very concerned about Bones defense, and his willingness to abandon the team’s defensive scheme.

DEN fans, is my concern unfounded?

Well, it is not. Bones is pretty awful defender and very often hijacks offense, he´ll drible the ball whole possesion and take 30ft jump shot. So that´s why his future with Denver might be coming to end.

But! The talent is undeniable. He can make some incredible shots, is great crowd pleasurer and so sweet with the media. I wrote before- saying I don´t like Bones is like saying I don´t like puppies.

I can imagine him having Jamal Crawford-like career scoring 40, 50 points of the bench for several teams. But that is not what Nuggets need right now. But the selling price seems so low Denver will kind of regret this.

Sounds like a cute as a button, playful little puppy who unfortunately keeps chewing up all your shoes and can't be potty trained.

I don’t like it. It’s gonna be bol bol all over again. Malone seems to enjoy chasing off young players instead of developing them.

shrink wrote:I’m very concerned about Bones defense, and his willingness to abandon the team’s defensive scheme.

DEN fans, is my concern unfounded?

I qualify as a DEN fan, because I watch them like every day. (Not as much on the days they don't have a game, though.)

It is not unfounded. I can definitely see a world where he gets traded before the deadline and DEN improves its chances to win it all this season. That said, he is a very fun player with very high upside in a bench role. Like maybe a 6MoY ceiling? But I wouldn't be devastated to see him go, provided some value comes back. His defense is that bad, and his offense has been very inconsistent this season (which I imagine he may attribute to inconistent minutes, but that's a chicken-or-the-egg situation). Bottom line, DEN is in contention this year, and defense is non-negotiable for anyone who wants serious minutes.

madmaxmedia wrote:

Maf wrote:

shrink wrote:I’m very concerned about Bones defense, and his willingness to abandon the team’s defensive scheme.

DEN fans, is my concern unfounded?

Well, it is not. Bones is pretty awful defender and very often hijacks offense, he´ll drible the ball whole possesion and take 30ft jump shot. So that´s why his future with Denver might be coming to end.

But! The talent is undeniable. He can make some incredible shots, is great crowd pleasurer and so sweet with the media. I wrote before- saying I don´t like Bones is like saying I don´t like puppies.

I can imagine him having Jamal Crawford-like career scoring 40, 50 points of the bench for several teams. But that is not what Nuggets need right now. But the selling price seems so low Denver will kind of regret this.

Sounds like a cute as a button, playful little puppy who unfortunately keeps chewing up all your shoes and can't be potty trained.

Yeah that's pretty much it.

Coach Malone in past blacklisted and literally killed the trade value of talented rookie-contract young players like Nurkic, Beasley, Bol Bol, Vanderbilt...

Stacked Denver doesn't need them too much but lost them for nothing despite obvious potential. Almost the same about Bones who still have some trade value but he is a lottery pick worth talent which is now available for a late first or decent veteran. Nobody will regret such a discount price for Hyland, the rebuilding team, or the contender!