Mavericks Rumors: Pistons may have offered young guard in previous trade talks

As the offseason further distances itself from the draft and the initial flurry of free agency, trade rumors have begun to come to the forefront of NBA news. The Dallas Mavericks and Detroit Pistons reportedly discussed a potential trade that involves a young prospect.

As reported by NBA Insider Marc Stein (subscription required), "Recent trade talks between Dallas and Detroit … were sparked by the Pistons' determination to ease a backcourt logjam by trading Killian Hayes and gained little traction."

Mavericks Rumors: Pistons may have offered Killian Hayes in previous trade talks

The backcourt logjam is in reference to the Pistons' vast collection of guards, many of whom were recently acquired through the draft, free agency, and trade.

The Pistons roster includes back-to-back top-five selections in Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey, who are both combo guards. Additionally, the Pistons used both their 2023 draft selections on guards - Ausar Thompson and Marcus Sasser. However, Thompson may spend some time at forward due to his size and Detroit's guard surplus.

Besides the draft, Detroit retained swingman Alec Burks in free agency and added proven point guard Monte Morris and sharpshooter Joe Harris both via different trades.

With the influx of moves under general manager Troy Weaver, Hayes may be on the trade block. The former 2020 seventh overall pick was drafted by the previous regime. And aside from fellow 2020 draftee Isaiah Stewart, Hayes is the only player from the 2020-21 Detroit roster who remains with the team today.

Aside from Hayes, the Pistons were reportedly looking to trade another veteran on their roster, as a trade between Dallas and Detroit almost came to fruition during the draft.

The reported trade included trade rumor mill mainstay Tim Hardaway Jr. and veteran sharpshooter Bojan Bogdanovic. Seemingly, the Mavs are interested in Bogdanovic but not Hayes.

The French point guard is still only 21 years old and offers untapped potential, but he has struggled in his three seasons in the association.

Hayes holds career averages of 8.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game in 26.6 minutes. Although these stats may seem solid for a young guard, his shooting is much-maligned. Hayes is a career 37.6% shooter from the floor and 27.4% from beyond the arc.

As the offseason continues, it'll be worth keeping an eye on Hayes. The Pistons are clearly looking to deal him, and the Mavs are interested in Bogdanovic.

With this in mind, a trade between Dallas and Detroit could materialize sooner rather than later.