Killian Hayes was finally cut by the Detroit franchise last night, requesting a transfer from the Pistons after falling out of coach Monty Williams’ rotation. The French leader is therefore officially without a team at the time of these lines. Where will he continue his career? Here are some possibilities.
San Antonio Spurs
Victor Vembanyama’s Spurs represent a potential destination for Killian Hayes. If we are to believe they are also favorites to recruit him Some differences (see below). In the midst of a rebuild and last in the Western Conference, the Texans franchise can afford to gamble, especially since it has nothing to lose. We saw earlier in the season that without Trey Jones, that San Antonio side is a bit of a desert at the helm, and Killian can bring playmaking as well as defense to the Spurs. We’d also like to see a 100% blue-white-red duo with Vambi.
Killian Hayes’ Next Team Odds Per @BovadaOfficial #detroitbasketball pic.twitter.com/jEk4vp78Q2
— Pistons Talk (@Pistons__Talk) February 4, 2024
Memphis Grizzlies
Before Killian Hayes was cut by the Pistons, he requested a trade from Detroit. And among the teams that have shown interest: the Memphis Grizzlies. Completely destroyed by injuries, especially up front (Ja Morant, Marcus Smart, Derrick Rose), the Griz are now playing nothing this season and Killian could try the bet. That would give Hayes a big chance to shine. No pressure, no expectation of results, less competition… In short, it’s the perfect place to play for a while and try to get back on track.
Toronto Raptors
The Raptors moved at the trade deadline: Leader Dennis Schroder was sent to Brooklyn for Spencer Dinwiddie, who was immediately cut. The result: The front rotation is greatly shortened behind holder Emmanuel Quickley. This could open a door for Killian Hayes, especially in a Raptors franchise (18 wins – 33 losses, 12th in the Eastern Conference) that is using this 2023-24 campaign as a transition season.
Return to Europe
Troubled since the start of his NBA career, Killian Hayes may have to cross the Atlantic to find a team. Especially if he wants to get some playing time. With the Paris Olympics approaching, we imagine that’s Kiki’s main goal. What if he returned to France five years after leaving Cholet? What if he passes through Ulm and joins Germany before coming to the NBA? What about Spain? It may be a bit premature to imagine a return to Europe for Killian Hayes, but at the same time it is a possibility that cannot be ruled out.
