The Detroit Pistons are planning to release young 2020 lottery pick Killian Hayes, who requested a trade from a struggling team, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Hayes' agent has confirmed to Piston leadership and the Detroit Free Press that the 22-year-old guard wants to be traded. report Sunday. Apparently unable or perhaps unwilling to find a trade partner for him, the Pistons kicked him to the curb.
The Detroit Pistons will release 2020 No. 7 pick Killian Hayes, sources said. @JLEdwardsIII.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 8, 2024
It's a somewhat shocking but definitely hilarious development, and it's probably the first time we've seen such a young player, who was drafted at the top of his game, cut like this.
I have a lot of respect for Detroit. They may be trash this year, but at least they're prepared to make the tough decisions. Don't you want to be here? got it. There are teams interested in you. They're practicing at the local LA Fitness, get out of here, boy. (Related: Title-contending 76ers land star guard Buddy Hield in blockbuster deadline deal: Report)
The Pistons spent a high pick on Hayes, selecting him seventh overall to France. 2020 draft. It was a gamble to take a kid who had never played high school or college baseball to this level, and it clearly didn't pay off.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – DECEMBER 23: Detroit Pistons No. 7 Killian Hayes holds the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the season opener at Target Center on December 23, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Pistons 111-101.Hanna Foslian/Getty Images
Detroit missed out on some of the top stallions it acquired after Hayes. The Sacramento Kings selected star guard Tyrese Haliburton with the 12th overall pick, but what he accomplished was that he emerged as a full-fledged superstar and was named to the All-Star team as a starter for the second year in a row this year. Only.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 6: #0 Tyrese of the Indiana Pacers celebrates during the second half of a 132-129 victory over the Houston Rockets at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on February 6, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana.・Halliburton.Andy Lyons/Getty Images
The Philadelphia 76ers selected Tyrese Maxey with the 21st overall pick, and he is currently one of the league's top scorers. average In his first All-Star season, he scored over 25 points per game.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – JANUARY 25: #0 Tyrese Maxey of the Philadelphia 76ers hits #26 Ben of the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on January 25, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. – Shoots the ball in the first half while being protected by Shepard.Andy Lyons/Getty Images
Hayes, on the other hand, still averaged just 10.3 points per game in 2023, but he averaged less than seven points per game this year. around Basketball reference.
