The Detroit Pistons were one of the most active teams in the NBA at this past trade deadline. After many fans feared that Detroit would simply “not feel they received fair offers”, they actually made moves that would result in eight former players no longer playing for Detroit. So how has each of them done since being dealt? Should Detroit have any seller's remorse on these guys? Let’s take a look.
Ex-Detroit Pistons and how they are doing now
Killian Hayes, Free Agent
After there were some rumors about a possible deal in which Killian Hayes would be relocated to a team in need of a young backup point guard, specifically San Antonio or Washington, Detroit wound up not finding any deal for the former lottery selection. The Pistons would waive Killian on February 8th, and to date, Killian has not been signed by any other team. For a guy who made up a large majority of Detroit’s minutes, there is a shocking lack of interest from other teams.
Danilo Gallinari, Milwaukee Bucks
While Gallinari’s stay in Detroit was short lived, his impact was quite palpable. After being acquired in the same deal that allowed Detroit to get out from under Marvin Bagley’s contract and sent both him and Isaiah Livers to Washington, Gallinari and his Wizards teammate Mike Muscala proved the need for a spacing big on this roster. Due to his age, Detroit made the decision to waive the veteran and allow him to sign with a contender. Gallinari would sign with the Milwaukee Bucks, and has 2.3 points, 1.2 rebounds, 0 percent three point shooting and a -2 +/- in just 10 minutes per game over his six total in Milwaukee.
Kevin Knox, Free Agent
Kevin Knox was dealt from Detroit at the deadline, as is tradition, to the Utah Jazz to bring sharp shooting 3-and-D player Simone Fontecchio to the Pistons. Knox was traded from Detroit at the deadline last season as well, and found his way back to start this season after he was waived by the Portland Trailblazers. It seems that this may be his same trajectory this season as Knox was waived by the Jazz shortly after acquiring him. He is currently a free agent, garnering little interest from contenders. The writing is on the wall with Kevin, he will likely return to Detroit to start next season and subsequently be flipped at the deadline once again. As mentioned, it’s tradition.