There’s been some smoke around backup Nuggets PG Bones Hyland and a potential trade in recent days.

Now, a Friday afternoon report from Jake Fischer of Yahoo! Sports is adding fuel to a possible fire.

In a lengthy article, Fischer confirms that the Nuggets have “begun gauging the trade value of (the) second-year guard,” according to his sources. Fischer says the emergence of Bruce Brown as a reserve ballhandler could make Hyland expendable at the trade deadline, which is Feb. 9.

The article focuses on former Nuggets forward Jerami Grant and his pursuit of a new contract in Portland, but has several paragraphs on Hyland.

Sources: Portland has offered Jerami Grant his maximum contract, but no deal has yet been agreed upon. More on the Blazers, Bones Hyland, New Orleans, the Bucks and other intel @YahooSports: https://t.co/ihQtFzw7TB

— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) January 27, 2023

“Occasional clashes between Hyland and head coach Michael Malone’s old-school mentality have also been a factor in Denver’s trade dialogue,” Fischer writes.

He adds the Nuggets are looking for a “defensive-minded frontcourt player” and a first-round pick in exchange for Hyland. They could also look for another backup point guard now, should Brown leave in free agency after declining a $6.9 million player-option this offseason.

Hyland loves to play fast and loose, and can provide energy off the bench. However, his quick trigger on deep three-point shots may not sit well with Malone. The 34-15 Nuggets have the No. 1 spot in the Western Conference, so chemistry is of paramount importance. If Malone feels like Hyland isn’t buying into what he’s saying, that could leave GM Calvin Booth inclined to make a trade.

Hyland recently misses a couple of games with a thumb injury, but returned in a loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night.

***