Nuggets’ Bones Hyland is on the Block, Should Sixers Reach Out?

The Denver Nuggets have something in the sophomore guard Bones Hyland. The Wilmington, Delaware native landed with the Nuggets during the 2021 NBA Draft as the 26th overall pick. Considering the Nuggets were viewed as contenders, it was unclear whether or not Hyland would have a role with the club in year one.

Well, he ended up appearing in 69 games, even picking up four starts. During that time, Hyland averaged 19 minutes on the floor, averaging ten points, three rebounds, and three assists while knocking down 37 percent of his three-pointers.

This year, those numbers are up. Averaging 12 points while hitting on 38 percent of his threes in 42 games, it seemed Hyland would be a long-term contributor for the Nuggets. However, all signs are pointing towards Denver moving the young guard ahead of the 2023 NBA trade deadline.

The Latest on Hyland’s Future

NBA reporter Marc Stein put it out there that Hyland is one of the league’s “most likely” players to get traded before the deadline. Several other reports confirmed that much.

As the Nuggets are reportedly looking for a “defensive option with size,” Hyland is likely their best trade chip that can get Denver what they need without forming a total shake-up.

Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report added on Tuesday night that Hyland is open to the idea of getting moved as well, and there are a “handful of teams who are interested.”

Sources: My @NBAonTNT report on Denver Nuggets guard Bones Hyland being open to a trade to secure a larger role elsewhere: pic.twitter.com/CALvvQFMLO
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) February 1, 2023

Could the Sixers Take a Look?

Take a look? Sure, why not? Strike a deal? Most likely, no. Per usual, the Sixers are on the hunt for reliable two-way players and are apparently in the market for size as well.

Part of the reason why the Sixers struggled to advance past the second round of the playoffs last year was due to the fact that they possessed a handful of reserves that were reliable on one end of the floor but a liability on the other end.

At this point in Hyland’s career, he’s in that category of being a reliable three-point scorer, but on defense, he’s a work in progress.

Skillset aside, there was also something else that stood out in Haynes’ report.

“League sources have informed me that Bones Hyland is open to being traded to secure a larger role.”

The Nuggets and the Sixers are on similar paths at the moment. As they are both top teams in their conferences, both organizations are looking for complimentary pieces.

This season, Hyland’s usage on offense in Denver is at 30 percent, which ranks fourth on his team, according to Cleaning the Glass. To compare, Tobias Harris ranks fourth in usage for Philadelphia, at 19 percent, behind James Harden, Tyrese Maxey, and Joel Embiid.

If Hyland’s searching for a bigger role, Philly probably wouldn’t fit the bill as an ideal landing spot for the young guard. With Maxey moving to a bench role, the second unit runs through the rising star. And as Shake Milton remains healthy, he’s having a more productive year compared to last season.

Several teams across the league might be interested in Hyland, but the Sixers seem to be an unlikely landing spot for the energetic sharpshooter as the deadline approaches.

Justin Grasso covers the Philadelphia 76ers for All76ers, a Sports Illustrated channel. You can follow him for live updates on Twitter: @JGrasso_.