What A Bones Hyland Trade Could Mean For Nuggets Rookie Christian Braun

Bones Hyland is averaging career highs nearly across the board with the Denver Nuggets this season, but the second-year guard could soon find himself on a new team before long.

Hyland is the subject of trade rumors ahead of the deadline on Feb. 9, and is reportedly open to a change of scenery. He recently removed all affiliation with the Nuggets from social media and is reportedly seeking a larger role elsewhere.

The former 26th pick is averaging 12.1 points, three assists and two rebounds on 37.8% shooting from the field in 42 games this season. He has been a mainstay in the second unit but has been inconsistent at times and was recently benched in the second half on Tuesday.

According to Chris Haynes of TNT and Bleacher Report, the team has explored the idea of trading Hyland prior to the deadline next week and has received strong interest from teams.

League sources have informed me that Bones Hyland is open to being traded to secure a larger role. The Nuggets have canvassed the market to gauge interest and there are a handful of teams who are interested. … If a deal is constructed eventually, the Nuggets believe that rookie Christian Braun is ready to take that next step.

Braun has played sporadically this season and is averaging 3.7 points and two rebounds in 46 games this season. He has given the team a lift at times but has failed to see consistent minutes due to several players ahead of him on the depth chart, including Hyland.

Nuggets coach Michael Malone has expressed on numerous occasions this season that he would like to get more minutes for Braun but has been unable to do so given the configuration of the team. However, a trade involving Hyland could change that.

The front office will certainly weigh its options ahead of next week, but it appears as though Hyland could be on his way out and Braun will have the chance to log more minutes moving forward.