Pistons: Evaluating a proposed trade of Killian Hayes for Fred VanVleet

Detroit Pistons: Trading Killian Hayes for Fred VanVleet

I honestly don’t think the Pistons would do this trade, as they like Hayes and think he has a chance to be special.

But to play Devil’s advocate, let’s look at the reasons they might do it:

• Fred Van Vleet is still young, and is very good, averaging 19.6 points and 6.3 assists this season.
• VanVleet fits the profile of what the Pistons are trying to build, as he is a tough, hard working  player who can defend multiple positions and has high character.
• He is a nice fit with Jerami Grant, Saddiq Bey and Isaiah Stewart and might be enough to propel the Pistons into the playoffs as soon as next season.
• The Pistons can still draft their guard of the future if they land in the top four and take a guy like Cade Cunningham, Jalen Suggs or Jalen Green.
• Hayes’ injury last season was to the hip and could linger

Again, I don’t think the Pistons would trade Hayes after only one season, but if they were going to, VanVleet might not be a bad choice, as he is already a proven player who is just reaching his prime.

The Detroit Pistons could be busy this offseason and trading for a proven player could be the quickest way to get them back to the playoffs.