The Detroit Pistons have been mentioned in about 800 trade rumors already and we're still over two weeks from the NBA trade deadline.
Some of them make sense, like flipping Alec Burks to the New York Knicks for Quention Grimes or a 1st-round pick.
Others are just ridiculous, such as this recent proposal that ships Cade Cunningham to the San Antonio Spurs.
That Pistons/Spurs trade might not make any sense, but another proposal could work out for both teams.
Our friends at Hoops Habit came up with a trade that could benefit both the Pistons and Spurs, even though it is hardly a blockbuster.
The Spurs need a point guard and could take a half-season flyer on Killian Hayes without any risk, as Osman is not part of their future plans and both players are on expiring contracts, so there is no future money. I said early in the season that the Spurs would be the perfect landing spot for Hayes and I stand by it.
But does it make sense for Detroit?
The Detroit Pistons don't need Killian Hayes
When your team is in the cellar and vying for the worst record in league history, they don't technically "need" any of the players on the roster, but they especially don't need Hayes.
He's been terrible of late, and with Monte Morris coming back soon, Killian's days in Detroit are likely numbered anyway. Detroit is extremely unlikely to re-sign Hayes, so getting even an expiring deal for him would be a win.
Trading Killian Hayes is good for the other young guards
Cedi Osman isn't great, but he's a wing who can play a little, something the Pistons desperately need. The more competent veterans the Pistons can get around Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey the better, as this season has pivoted to a focus on player development again.
Here's an idea: Surround your young players with veterans who will help that cause. Bold concept I know.
Hayes certainly doesn't, so even less than a half season of Osman would be better for the backcourt of the future. We've already seen how the addition of two competent veterans has helped the bench, so hopefully Troy Weaver is paying attention.
This would also open up more minutes for Marcus Sasser. I am a fan of Sasser, though was not a fan of trading up to get him instead of taking another forward, a decision that looks like an even bigger mistake now.
But he has a future with this team and Killian Hayes doesn't, so they may as well get him in there and see what happens. Sasser has his issues (namely that he doesn't pass much and takes some bad shots) but the kid can shoot, as he is hitting over 41 percent of his 3-point shots this season.
This is another trade that is not going to shake the foundations of the league, much like the recent move with Washington, but in that same vein, would give the Pistons another useful veteran on the wing who would be better for the development of their young players.