6. Bones Hyland
The Clippers gave up two second-round picks to acquire Hyland before the 2023 trade deadline. The 6’2 guard displayed plenty of potential in his season and a half in Denver, but LA signed Russell Westbrook just days after the trade.
Bones is a score-first reserve guard. He needs the ball in his hands to be at his best. The Clippers do not have that opportunity with four future Hall of Famers on their roster. Through 51 games played, Hyland has averaged 8.0 points, 2.7 assists, and 2.0 rebounds in just 15.8 minutes per contest for LA. He has been outside their nightly rotation for significant stretches and played just 12 total minutes in this year’s playoff series loss to the Mavericks.
Hyland is under contract for $4.1 million next season before becoming a restricted free agent in the summer of 2025. If the Clippers plan to move, now is the perfect time to trade him. They will not get much in return, but it frees up a roster spot and the Clippers may be able to use his expiring contract to complete a 3-team trade.
Is Bones Hyland back in Los Angeles next season? The odds increase if the Clippers clear some playing time for the 23-year-old. If they bring back their four future Hall of Famers, Hyland should be traded elsewhere.