Some NBA players never figure it out. That’s a harsh reality. This is the most competitive basketball league in the world. Some players will never thrive in that environment.
On the other hand, we shouldn’t count young players out too quickly. They may not have landed on the right team. Alternatively, they may not have landed in the right role. With the right changes, those players could thrive.
Take Killian Hayes of the Detroit Pistons. He’s had a rough start to his career. At the same time, Hayes is still young enough to grow. Could the Pistons send him to the Memphis Grizzlies?
NBA Trade Proposal
Detroit Pistons Receive: G/F Victor Oladipo, 2026 Second-Round Pick (LAC via MEM), 2030 Second-Round Pick (MEM)
Memphis Grizzlies Receive: G Killian Hayes
A lot goes into being a successful NBA player. Talent is most important. If you’re not talented enough, you’re not going to be successful. Still, there’s more than that involved in NBA success.
A player needs the right habits. They need to cultivate themselves on and off the floor. We’ve seen talented players fall short of expectations because they couldn’t get their act together when the game wasn’t on.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Killian Hayes, Detroit Pistons, Memphis Grizzlies Updates
Will that be Ja Morant’s story? We hope not. Still, it’s fair to note that Morant has seemingly major off-court issues. Should the Grizzlies land Hayes to back him up?
Why The Memphis Grizzlies Do The Deal
Leave Morant’s off-court troubles aside. On the floor, he’s a terror. Morant is one of the best point guards in the NBA when healthy. He won’t lose his starting spot to Hayes – or anyone.
He still needs a backup. Derrick Rose’s age has been showing this year. Marcus Smart remains impactful, but he’s more of a combo guard. The Grizzlies could use a player who can manage the offense when Morant needs a rest.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Killian Hayes, Detroit Pistons, Memphis Grizzlies Updates
Hayes can handle that. He’s a limited scorer, but he’s a solid decision-maker and a strong defender. He could make a valuable addition to this team’s roster. Should the Pistons part with him?
Why The Detroit Pistons Do The Deal
If you’re a Pistons fan, you’re likely disappointed by this return. Hayes was once a lottery pick. You want more. Unfortunately, his value has taken a major hit since the Pistons selected him.
The Pistons shouldn’t expect much. A pair of second-round picks ought to suffice. If nothing else, the Pistons are getting some cap relief for a player who doesn’t fit with their most talented core players anyway.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Killian Hayes, Detroit Pistons, Memphis Grizzlies Updates
They’re also landing an expiring contract in Oladipo. The Pistons are the worst team in the NBA, and they’re expected to consider sweeping changes this summer. Some cap relief will help them make those changes – hopefully, the Pistons can figure something out.
