2 Clippers who are expendable, 1 they can't afford to trade

Norman Powell, Bones Hyland, LA Clippers
Norman Powell, Bones Hyland, LA Clippers | Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
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Clippers can afford to trade Bones Hyland

Bones Hyland joined the Clippers at the trade deadline in February after coming over from the Denver Nuggets. He very infamously had a big problem with his role in Denver, desiring to play a larger part in the offense. Hyland and the team did not see eye to eye, leading to the organization parting ways with him.

After he landed in LA, Hyland played a similar role in the final 14 games of the 2022-23 season for the Clippers that he did for the first 42 games of the year for the Nuggets. Operating as a secondary ball handler, he did what he does best: slash, score, and tear up defenses.

Bones looked to continue in this role for the 2023-24 season as well. But everything changed when the Clippers traded for James Harden, as now the team had to incorporate the three-time scoring champ.

Having matured a bit, Hyland understood the team's need to prioritize Harden over him, and has largely accepted his lesser role. He has shown a very classy response to his reduced playing time.

With that in mind, the Clippers can certainly afford to trade the quick young guard. They have a team full of elite ball handlers, and Bones would likely be best served somewhere he can play big minutes and continue developing as a player.

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