LA and Denver work a deal to send Hyland to the Clippers
Outside of finding the perfect point guard, another concern for the LA Clippers was their age and future. Prior to the trade deadline, the current roster had several players in their mid 30’s, nearing the end of their prime years. This is a major issue, especially once the superstar era of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George comes to an end.
However, the front office found a quick solution in the Nuggets’ second-year guard, Bones Hyland. Not only is Hyland 22 years old, but he also brings explosiveness to the offense, which the Clippers desperately need.
Furthermore, the LA Clippers tend to start games on a slower note, primarily due to their age. With a limited number of young guards on the market, Hyland fits the scheme of head coach Tyronn Lue perfectly.
What did the LA Clippers give up for Bones Hyland?
At first glance, it appeared that the LA Clippers would have to give up quite the package for a player like Bones Hyland. This was not the case, as the front office found a major bargain by only sacrificing their 2024 and 2025 second-round draft picks.
Moreover, Hyland is averaging 12.1 points, 3.0 assists, and 2.0 rebounds while shooting 37.8% from three. Additionally, fans should note that Hyland is participating in the Rising Stars game over the All-Star break. This is another sign of how high his potential can be for the years ahead.
That said, this was an excellent deal for the LA Clippers. Though their point guard issue has yet to be solved, they received a young star in their hands with the cost of two late draft picks. The front office is off to a great start, but work is left to be done.