If it was up to Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr., Bones Hyland wouldn’t be going anywhere.

As trade rumors continue to swirl around Denver’s backup point guard, Porter spoke out in support of Hyland after Tuesday’s shootaround. The NBA trade deadline is Thursday, so tonight against the Timberwolves could be Hyland’s final game wearing a Nuggets uniform.

“Bones is one of my favorite players and I think he’s such a great player and person. Circumstances make it so that sometimes he’s misunderstood, but me and him have a good connection. He’s such a talented player. Obviously, he should be on the floor, everyone knows that,” Porter said.

Everyone except for head coach Michael Malone, apparently. Hyland’s been a DNP (coach’s decision) the last three games. He only played five minutes against the Pelicans in the contest before that. Even shorthanded on Sunday night in Minnesota, Hyland couldn’t sniff the floor. It feels like a trade could be imminent, but Porter hopes that isn’t the case.

“I don’t know what the future holds for him. I wish he was here and I wish it could be figured out. Obviously, that’s not up to me, that’s up to the front office. But that’s one of my favorite players. I love how he plays, I love his confidence and we have a good bond off the court,” Porter said.

Social media has been abuzz with speculation about Hyland, including a cryptic tweet from Jamal Murray last Friday afternoon. Porter says don’t read too much into the perceived drama, Hyland just wants to be on the court.

“At the end of the day he just wants to play basketball and have fun so I’m just trying to stay in his ear and be a good friend to him off the court,” Porter said. “We talk about it. He just wants to play. I don’t blame him, that’s what everybody in the NBA wants.”

The Nuggets are 37-17, good for the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference over Memphis by 4.5 games. As they pursue their first NBA Title, it’s unclear if Hyland will be part of that journey. If it’s up to Porter, he will be.

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