Every NBA player who’s drafted in the lottery wants to avoid the dreaded “bust” label. They won’t all be successful. Some players will unequivocally be known as busts. If they don’t make good on their lottery selection, they’ll be slapped with that label.
How long should we wait to apply that label? Every career doesn’t have the same trajectory. How much grace do we afford lottery picks?
For example, take Killian Hayes of the Detroit Pistons. Let’s be honest, he’s not on track to produce like a lottery pick. Perhaps that’s why the Pistons are allegedly looking to trade him this summer. Could they send him to the Toronto Raptors?
The Trade Proposal
Detroit Pistons Receive: F Otto Porter Jr., 2026 Second-Round Pick (TOR)
Toronto Raptors Receive: G Killian Hayes
It’s always worth remembering the various ways that an NBA career can unfold. Sometimes, a player has a down season. If it comes early in their career, we ring the alarm bells. Sometimes, we ring them too quickly.
Just look at Scottie Barnes of the Raptors. As a rookie, he was outstanding. In fact, he was named the NBA’s Rookie of the Year in 2021-22. Unfortunately, he stagnated as a sophomore.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Killian Hayes, Toronto Raptors & Detroit Pistons Updates
Barnes didn’t make much progress. If you want to dismiss his ceiling on those grounds, go ahead. With that said, you should be ready to eat your words if Barnes makes a breakthrough in 2023-24. Could acquiring Hayes help him do so?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
Well, in some respects, Hayes is exactly the type of player that the Raptors tend to like. Arguably, that’s a problem. After all, Hayes is a strong defender. He’s also a smart player who makes good passing reads. Unfortunately, he can’t shoot. Hayes is a generally limited half-court creator.
That’s been a problem for the Raptors in recent years. With that in mind – what on earth are we doing here? Frankly, not much. If Hayes’ shot comes around, he could be a perfect addition to this roster.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Killian Hayes, Toronto Raptors & Detroit Pistons Updates
On the other hand, if it doesn’t work, they’re giving up very little for him here. This is a low-risk gamble that’s worth taking for the Raptors. Should the Pistons let them make it?
Why The Detroit Pistons Do The Deal
It’s being reported that the Pistons are “desperate” to move off of Hayes. That seems reasonable. This team is stacked with guards. Cade Cunningham is possibly their franchise player, and Jaden Ivey needs reps as a point guard too. Meanwhile, the Pistons acquired Monte Morris this summer.
So, it makes sense to move off of Hayes. The Pistons won’t get much for him – Hayes has been too disappointing to date. This is market value.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Killian Hayes, Toronto Raptors & Detroit Pistons Updates
In fact, Porter is the type of veteran that this team could use. He’s a solid floor spacer and defender. Throw in a second-round pick, and this deal could motivate the Pistons to move off of Hayes. Whether he’s a bust or not.
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