5 underrated acquisitions from the 2023 NBA Trade Deadline
By Dalton Sell
2. Bones Hyland, LA Clippers
It was no secret that Bones Hyland was available before the trade deadline. There were rumblings that the Denver Nuggets could very well trade the young point guard, which they did in a deal with the LA Clippers. It was not surprising to see Hyland traded, but it was surprising to see him moved for just two second round picks. The Clippers got a great piece for a bargain of a deal.
Hyland has proven to be a solid role player throughout his first two NBA seasons, having averaged 10.9 points, 2.8 assists, and 2.5 rebounds per game. His defense is nothing to rave about, but he is more than capable of scoring and shooting the basketball well. With the Clippers trading away both Reggie Jackson and John Wall, Hyland will slot nicely into their current point guard rotation. At just 22 years old, Hyland will give LA some youth, and he could be the point guard of the future.
3. Luke Kennard, Memphis Grizzlies
Speaking of the Clippers, they were involved in a multi-team deal that sent Luke Kennard to the Memphis Grizzlies. Kennard’s role was inconsistent with the Clippers this season, and it was clear that he could have benefited from a change of scenery. The Grizzlies got Kennard by sending out Danny Green and three second round picks, which is a solid move for them.
The Grizzlies needed to add more 3-point shooting at the deadline, given that they have ranked in the bottom portion of the league in 3-point percentage for most of the season. Landing a stellar long-range shooter Kennard will certainly help them with that. The guard has quietly proven to be one of the best outside shooters in the league over the years, having shot 42.7 percent from three in his six seasons. A marksman like that should undoubtedly help improve one of the Grizzlies’ big flaws in their outside shooting.