Two centers on the Pelicans the Pistons could target in a trade
The New Orleans Pelicans have been terrible this season without Zion Williamson and may have a fire sale of their own soon.
They have two centers the Pistons could target, one solid veteran and one unproven but high-ceiling big.
Willie Hernangomez
If the Pistons just wanted a stopgap veteran who can eat up some minutes without taking anything off the table, then they could target Willie Hernangomez.
Hernangomez has been in and out of the Pelicans’ rotation but has produced when he is in there, including last night when he logged a 19 point, 11 rebound double/double.
He is not the athletic rim runner the Pistons could use, but he is solid, can defend and score around the hoop. He is a decent free throw shooter and would be a great backup to Beef Stew until Kelly Olynyk returns.
Jaxson Hayes
If the Pistons wanted to target a young guy with upside then 21-year-old Jaxson Hayes should get a look.
Hayes has recently been benched and it seems like the front office, fans and coaches in New Orleans are starting to sour on him as a prospect.
He had some off-the-court issues this offseason and hasn’t played much in this one, with his numbers down across the board. Hayes has flashed unworldly athleticism at times but is still raw in just about every aspect of playing basketball.
He would definitely provide the lob threat the Pistons lack and could eventually evolve into a very good shot blocker, so might be worth a risk. Could the Pistons get him for Josh Jackson and a second-round pick? Possibly, which is why Hayes is a guy I would inquire about if I were Troy Weaver.
He fits the timeline and fills a present and future need potentially for the Pistons.