The NBA’s lottery is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a lottery. There’s no guarantee that you’ll land the pick you’re hoping for. Even then, there’s no guarantee that the player you draft will end up being a good choice.
So far, Killian Hayes of the Detroit Pistons has fallen short of predraft expectations. For that matter, so has the Pistons’ James Wiseman. Wiseman’s case is especially egregious as a high lottery pick. At this point, he’s on the trajectory to be remembered as a bust.
Luckily, these aren’t major concerns for the Pistons. They’ve got Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren on their roister – each of whom has flashed plenty of promise. With that in mind, both Hayes and Wiseman should be viewed as expendable to the Pistons. Could they send them to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for Gary Trent Jr.?
The Trade Proposal
Toronto Raptors Receive: C James Wiseman, G Killian Hayes, 2026 First-Round Pick (Swap – DET)
Detroit Pistons Receive: G/F Gary Trent Jr.
Of course, the lottery isn’t all bad. Some teams benefit from it tremendously. When a mediocre team vaults upward in the draft order, it’s a thrill for their fanbase. Just ask fans of the Raptors.
This team was not supposed to land Scottie Barnes. The stars aligned perfectly to allow this to happen. The Raptors jumped in the draft. Even then, they weren’t supposed to select Barnes. Draft nerds around the NBA will recall that the Raptors were widely expected to select Jalen Suggs with the fourth overall pick.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Gary Trent Jr, Toronto Raptors & Detroit Pistons Updates
The Raptors went left. So far, it’s looked like a fantastic decision. Barnes was the Rookie of the Year in 2021-22. His development seemed to stagnate last year, but make no mistake: Barnes has the making of a potential star. Should the Raptors pair him with Hayes and Wiseman?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
The Raptors are at a bit of a crossroads. This team is widely expected to at least consider blowing up their core. Even then, they don’t have to trade Trent Jr. He’s young enough to be part of a rebuild.
With that said, he is a couple of years older than both Wiseman and Hayes. In NBA terms, those years are like dog years. Trent Jr. is the best player in this deal, but he’s likely a finished product. By contrast, both Wiseman and Hayes have room to grow.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Gary Trent Jr, Toronto Raptors & Detroit Pistons Updates
They also fill positions of need for the Raptors. Hayes would be especially valuable from that perspective – after all, the Raptors just lost Fred VanVleet in free agency. They do still have Jakob Poeltl, but if they’re rebuilding, he’ll be seen as a potential trade target too. Wiseman could be their starting big man of the future. Should the Pistons send him to them?
Why The Detroit Pistons Do The Deal
Absolutely. Frankly, we’re surprised that Detroit acquired Wiseman in the first place. Jalen Duren was in the midst of a strong rookie season when they did. Here, the Pistons are correcting a potential mistake.
They’re also bringing in a highly useful player. Trent Jr. is a strong movement shooter and a disruptive defender. As a complimentary guard, he could allow the Pistons to stagger Cunningham and Jaden Ivey. Meanwhile, Trent Jr. can also man the 3 for stretches in three-guard lineups.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Gary Trent Jr, Toronto Raptors & Detroit Pistons Updates
If the Pistons have any regrets here, they’ll be about giving up swap rights in 2026. They shouldn’t worry about it. This team already has their young core n place, and it’s time to build around it. If they give the Raptors a lottery pick, that’ll be nothing more than a bit of bad luck.
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