Pistons Are Releasing Former First-Round Pick

(Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)

Back in 2020, Killian Hayes was selected by the Detroit Pistons as the seventh overall pick in the NBA draft.

Now, just a few years later, the team is letting him go.

Shams Charania is reporting that the Pistons are releasing Hayes, according to James L. Edwards III.

This is a big and surprising choice by the Pistons and it shows they are very serious about making adjustments ahead of the trade deadline.

The Detroit Pistons are releasing 2021 No. 7 pick Killian Hayes, sources tell me and @JLEdwardsIII.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 8, 2024

Hayes was picked up by the Pistons in the draft because of his strong work as a defender and passer who still had room for improvement when it came to shooting.

During his four seasons with the team, Hayes’ field goal percentages have indeed ticked up a bit but he can still progress.

The good news is that the guard is just 22 years old and that means he has plenty of time to get better for whichever team he signs with next.

According to reports, the Pistons explored the league looking for a suitable new team for Hayes but they couldn’t put anything together.

Instead of agreeing to a deal they weren’t wild about, the Pistons just chose to release Hayes instead.

The Pistons have been busy on Thursday, getting rid of Joe Harris along with Hayes, and trading away Bojan Bogdanovic and Alec Burks.

The team, still the worst in the NBA, is clearly trying to make some changes before they push past the All-Star break and beyond.

It’s surprising to see Hayes leave the Pistons after they were so excited by him several seasons ago but fans of the player should rest assured that he will find another spot in the league soon.

This season, he has averaged 6.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game.

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