The LA Clippers may be ready to set free one of their young guns stuck to the bench.
Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported on Wednesday that the Clippers are gauging the trade market for guard Bones Hyland. This comes with just over a week to go before the Feb. 8 NBA trade deadline.
Hyland, 23, has some good upside as a scorer and ball-handler. He was just acquired by the Clippers at last year’s deadline and is still on his rookie deal through 2025. But with the acquisition of James Harden this season (and with Russell Westbrook and Norman Powell serving as the bench guards of choice), Hyland has seen very little playing time this season. He hasn’t been part of the regular rotation in nearly three months, and his development is suffering as a result. With the few minutes that Hyland does get these days (usually in garbage time), he tends to hijack the offense with over-dribbling and ill-advised shot attempts.
The Clippers might still want to hang onto Hyland as he is one of the only meaningful young pieces on their aging roster. But if they can get good value for Hyland from a team able to offer him more minutes, the Clippers could just consider a trade (maybe even as a package deal with this veteran).
