One NBA writer is proposing that the San Antonio Spurs acquire point guard Killian Hayes from the Detroit Pistons this summer.
Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report proposed that the Spurs send combo guard Devonte’ Graham to the Pistons for Hayes, who was the seventh overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft.
“Victor Wembanyama shouldn’t be the only French player the Spurs pursue this offseason, as Hayes would be a buy-low option to try and develop in San Antonio,” Swartz wrote. “Still just 21 and having averaged 10.3 points and 6.2 assists this season, there’s some upside here even it’s clear Hayes is never going to be a strong scoring option. San Antonio can still mold him into a regular rotation player, however, especially given the team’s need at point guard.
“Hayes’ role will only shrink with the Pistons if he stays once Cade Cunningham returns from shin surgery, and the No. 7 overall pick of 2020 shot under 38.4 percent overall for the third straight season. If Detroit isn’t interested in extending Hayes this offseason or paying him in free agency next summer, flipping him for a more proven point guard in Graham is the right move.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Killian Hayes, Detroit Pistons & San Antonio Spurs Updates
Hayes is expendable in Detroit since the Pistons have Cade Cunningham, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. Killian hasn’t been able to turn into a star in The Motor City, so a fresh start in San Antonio with Hall of Famer Gregg Popovich could do wonders for him.
The 21-year-old Hayes averaged 10.3 points, 2.9 rebounds and 6.2 assists this season for the Pistons while shooting 37.7% from the field, 28.0% from beyond the arc and 82.1% from the free-throw line.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Killian Hayes, Detroit Pistons & San Antonio Spurs Updates
The lefty must improve his shooting numbers if he wants to be a starting point guard in the NBA. Hayes has career averages of 8.4 points, 3.0 rebounds and 5.3 assists.
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