Pistons: 3 Teams Listed as Potential Landing Spots for Killian Hayes
The Detroit Pistons weren’t willing to keep Killian Hayes around for any longer. After they failed to find a trade suitor for Hayes ahead of the official deadline two weeks back, the Pistons cut ties with Hayes, sending him into free agency.
With the 2024 NBA All-Star break now in the rearview, Hayes has yet to find his next landing spot since the Pistons released him.
Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report suggests a few teams could look into potentially giving Hayes a second shot in the NBA. While there might not be an opportunity available for the 22-year-old prospect at this point in the year, there are some teams that could look into making him a low-risk signing during the summer of 2024.
To no surprise, two of the three teams mentioned are in the midst of a rebuild. As Bailey mentions, the Portland Trail Blazers are likely to take “some swings” on players who haven’t lived up to their expectations recently, taking advantage of a discounted market since money will be tight.
As for the Washington Wizards, they are just one seed ahead of the Pistons in the Eastern Conference this season. With a 9-45 record, it’s clear Washington is far from turning the page and reaching contender status. They are an organization that could look into taking on a few project players.
Lastly, the Phoenix Suns popped up as the only suggested team that’s currently in contender status.
While the Suns are one of the most top-heavy teams in the league, employing players such as Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and Devin Booker, Phoenix doesn’t have a ton of wiggle room when it comes to making notable signings. Maybe the Suns could be confident in their ability to possibly look at Hayes as a “redemption project.”
Wherever Hayes is headed next, he has a lot to prove. Being that he was selected seventh overall in the 2020 NBA Draft, which featured several of the NBA’s biggest rising stars at the same position that came after him, it’s become clear Detroit has regrets about the pick.
On the bright side for Hayes, he has several years of experience on his resume. While the lack of efficiency and production isn’t a great selling point for interested suitors, Hayes’ 210 appearances, including 145 stars with the Pistons, shows he’s at least prepared for a limited role on a team that’s willing to take a chance on him.
