According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, the Los Angeles Clippers and guard Bones Hyland have not come to terms on a contract extension. Hyland is entering the final season of his rookie contract. The deadline for rookie-scale extensions is today, October 21. Because of this development, Hyland will become a restricted free agent in 2025.
Sources: Los Angeles Clippers and guard Bones Hyland will not reach terms on a rookie-scale extension and he’ll become a restricted free agent at the end of the 2024-25 season. pic.twitter.com/FZXTjYMolb
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) October 21, 2024
The guard joined the Clippers after they acquired him from the Denver Nuggets in February 2023. As a member of the Clippers, Hyland has appeared in 51 games, including five starts. In those games, he is averaging 8 points, 2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists. Furthermore, he is shooting 38.6% from the field and 33.5% from the three-point line.
Clippers Guard to Become Free Agent Next Summer
Bones Hyland’s Role With the Los Angeles Clippers
Hyland is a solid player, but he is buried on the Clippers’ depth chart. The team is slated to have James Harden and Kevin Porter Jr. ahead of him as point guards, per ESPN. Additionally, Kris Dunn, who may play combo guard for the Clippers this season, is a threat to Hyland’s spot in the rotation. The 24-year-old has shown flashes on the court, especially on the offensive side of the ball, but he is unlikely to have a big role with the Clippers this season.
Given that Hyland is now entering a contract season, it will be worth monitoring whether he ends this season in Los Angeles. He likely will not have a big role with the Clippers, but Hyland could provide value to a team looking for a young guard. Additionally, given that the two sides could not come to terms on a contract extension, it is a good indication that the Clippers do not view Hyland as a long-term part of the team.
The Last Word On Bones Hyland and the Clippers
In what could be Hyland’s final season with the team, the Clippers have a tough campaign ahead of them. After their early playoff exit last season, the Clippers lost star Paul George to the Philadelphia 76ers. Additionally, they are now expected to be without franchise player Kawhi Leonard for an indefinite amount of time to begin the season. Given that the Western Conference is as competitive as it is, the Clippers are in a serious position to finish as a bottom team in the conference. However, there is still some intrigue in Los Angeles.
This offseason, the Clippers added numerous players to make up for George’s departure. Most notably, the team added Derrick Jones Jr. Jones played a major role with the Dallas Mavericks last season. He is a solid two-way player and has NBA Finals experience. Additionally, the Clippers brought Nicolas Batum back and signed Mo Bamba.
As it stands, it is tough to consider the Clippers legitimate title contenders. However, a lot of that depends on when Leonard will return to the court. Additionally, Harden will have an opportunity to carry the team, something he has not done in a long time. Expectations are low for the Clippers. However, there is still enough talent on the roster to give them the chance to shock the basketball world.
