NBA rumors: Pistons determined to trade Killian Hayes

Recent talks between Detroit and Dallas reveal that Killian Hayes’ days as a Piston may be numbered. Will the Pistons make a move before next season?

It appears the Pistons are officially trying to part ways with Killian Hayes. NBA Insider Marc Stein reported, “Recent trade talks between Detroit and Dallas, I’m told, were sparked by the Pistons’ determination to ease a backcourt logjam by trading Killian Hayes and gained little traction.”

According to Stein, the Mavs were interested in Detroit’s Bojan Bogdanović, but their priority at this point is an upgrade at center. Supposedly, the Pistons are seeking a future first-round pick in return for Bojan.

Pistons: No space for Killian Hayes

Marc Stein uses the word “logjam” here for a reason. A healthy Cade Cunningham returning changes a lot for the Pistons. Marcus Sasser, this year’s 25th pick in the draft, also proved to be a force to be reckoned with. He showed tremendous potential, scoring a whopping 40 points in the Summer League.

Realistically, there are never enough minutes to go around, but there are even fewer when you have a career true shooting percentage of 45.2 (Sorry Killian). At this point in his career, Hayes could benefit from switching to another system rather than getting buried on the Pistons’ bench.

The Pistons have been in what feels like a perpetual rebuild. Detroit finished with the poorest record in the league last season and, additionally, hasn’t made the playoffs since 2019. However, the Pistons still aim to re-establish their reputation in the Eastern Conference. The coaching additions of Monty Williams and Stephen Silas, along with some minor roster changes, should serve Detroit well next season.

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