4 Pistons who are playing for their future in Detroit

4 Pistons playing for their future in Detroit

2. Killian Hayes

No player on the Pistons causes more arguments than Killian Hayes, who has some rabid supporters who think his defense and passing are “elite” and plenty of detractors who think he’s a bum because he can’t shoot.

The truth is somewhere in the meaty part in between, as Hayes has shown the ability to run the offense, is a good passer and can play defense, but are those things enough for a guard in the modern NBA?

Marcus Smart provides a precedent, but Hayes is not yet at his level as a defender and has also had a hard time staying consistently healthy in his short career.

Hayes is currently injured, which is a shame, as he really needs these reps in the last few games, and if he played well, could secure himself as part of the team’s future.

Hayes is already under contract for next season and will be extension eligible, though there is no way Detroit can give him more years at this point unless he wants to play for the minimum, as he just hasn’t done enough to earn it yet. He’ll likely enter next season on the final year of his contract, which could make him trade bait in the offseason.

I could see a scenario where Hayes is dealt in a draft-day trade, especially if the Pistons were to end up with the 2nd pick, as adding Scoot Henderson or another guard might make Hayes redundant.

Let’s hope he can get back on the court soon and play well enough for the Pistons to want to keep him or to raise his potential trade value this offseason.