One NBA writer is proposing that the Toronto Raptors acquire Marvin Bagley III and Killian Hayes from the Detroit Pistons.
Dan Favale of Bleacher Report proposed that the Raptors trade Malachi Flynn, Otto Porter Jr., Thaddeus Young, a 2026 second-round pick and a 2027 second-round pick to the Pistons for Bagley III and Hayes.
“To be absolutely honest, I’m not sure what it’ll take to get Hayes out of Detroit,” Favale wrote. “He made real strides, for long stretches, on offense last year and is an exhaustive defensive force. He’s also entering a contract year and now has three to four, if not more, bodies ahead of him in the rotation. At least one of Porter or Young will play for the Pistons. That helps. Detroit also drives up next summer’s spending power by offloading Bagley’s contract for expirings.
“Maybe Toronto can get Hayes for less. Or perhaps it should look at pulling Young or Porter for Chris Boucher. Regardless, the Raptors need someone to experiment with in the backcourt. Going on 22, Hayes is worth a test drive.”
The Pistons drafted Hayes with the seventh overall pick in the 2020 draft. The lefty averaged a career-high 10.3 points last season while dishing out 6.2 assists per game. However, Hayes shot only 37.7% from the field and 28.0% from beyond the arc. Perhaps a change of scenery would help the youngster out.
The Sacramento Kings drafted Bagley III with the second overall pick in the 2019 draft instead of taking Luka Doncic. Bagley III has career averages of 13.3 points and 7.2 rebounds with the Kings and Pistons. He hasn’t turned into a superstar like Doncic.
The Raptors could bank on their development staff to unlock Hayes and Bagley III. This trade Favale came up with is pretty safe with no risks. Either Hayes and Bagley III turn into stars with the Raptors or they flop and Toronto parts ways with them next summer when Hayes becomes a restricted free agent and Bagley III enters the final year of his deal.
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