If the decision was up to Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr., Bones Hyland wouldn’t be traded.

Porter offered a staunch defense of Hyland, as both a basketball player and a person, following Tuesday’s shootaround ahead of Denver’s game against the Timberwolves on Tuesday night.

“Bones is one of my favorite players, and I think he’s such a great player and person,” Porter said. “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,” he continued. “Everyone knows that. I don’t know what the future’s gonna hold for him, but I wish he was here. I wish he would stay here, and I wish it could be figured out. Obviously, that’s not up to me. That’s up to the front office.”

Porter said he admires Hyland’s confidence and was doing his best to remain positive for him.

“At the end of the day, he just wants to play basketball and have fun,” Porter said.

Even off the court, Porter said he’ll talk to Hyland just to engage with him on a personal level.

“We talk about it, he just wants to play,” Porter said.

Hyland’s name has been the subject of numerous trade rumors ahead of Thursday’s deadline, and as a result, he’s fallen out of the rotation. Still, after practice Tuesday morning, Hyland participated in his typical shooting contest against Porter and fellow wing Davon Reed. There was nothing to suggest Hyland was down or feeling sorry for himself as he laughed and joked with his teammates.

Hyland got another vote of confidence from veteran center DeAndre Jordan.

“Our job is to keep his spirits up,” Jordan said. “He’s been great during this awkward time for him, for sure. He’s been extremely supportive of guys. I think if he was a bad guy then he would not be shooting after practice with the guys, and he would just leave. He’s being a pro. I’m sure it’s very tough for him right now.”

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