Detroit Pistons: What does McGruder signing mean for Killian and Saben?

Detroit Pistons: The McGruder signing and Killian Hayes

Unlike Lee, Hayes would have some value on the trade market, so there is no way he is going to get cut.

I think it’s unlikely he gets traded either, as he is still just 21-years-old and has flashed high-ceiling talent at times, so it would be selling low on a guy who still has plenty of time and potential to develop into a good player.

But the Pistons aren’t far off from having to make a decision on Hayes’ $7.4 million option for the 2023-24 season. They will have to make this decision by the end of October, and if they don’t trade Hayes away, they will probably exercise it if he is in the rotation and playing well.

Troy Weaver has shown that no one is safe, so there is also a scenario where they don’t see Hayes as part of the long-term plans and want to trade him before they have to make that decision on his option.

This could lead to a two-for-one trade involving someone like Kelly Olynyk, in which the Pistons ship out two contracts and take back one bigger one for a player who might be a better fit.

I think this is a long shot, but you can never rule anything out with Troy Weaver, who has been uncharacteristically quiet this offseason.

Does he have something else up his sleeve or is the McGruder signing just a move to bring in a veteran for training camp competition? Stay tuned because the offseason is not over yet.