The Brooklyn Nets have waived point guard Killian Hayes, who was aiming to secure a spot on the roster for the 2024-25 NBA season. Hayes, initially signed to an Exhibit-10 contract, had been sidelined by a hip injury, preventing him from playing in any preseason games.
NBA insider Shams Charania broke the news on X, stating, “The Brooklyn Nets are waiving former No. 7 pick Killian Hayes, sources tell ESPN. Hayes will continue to rehab a hip injury and pursue an NBA deal with Nets’ Long Island G League affiliate.”
Hayes, who was the seventh overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, has been working to rejuvenate his career after an underwhelming tenure with the Detroit Pistons. The 23-year-old guard was hopeful that he could carve out a role in Brooklyn’s backcourt rotation, but injuries have once again disrupted his plans.
During his time in Detroit, Hayes showed flashes of potential, but recurring injuries and inconsistent performances limited his ability to make a significant impact. In his rookie season, he suffered a labral tear in his hip, which sidelined him for several months. Although he had moments of brilliance, such as a career-high 26 points against the Oklahoma City Thunder in April 2022, Hayes struggled to consistently deliver at a high level.
The Pistons ultimately waived Hayes in February 2024, and he has since been trying to find his footing in the league. Last season, Hayes averaged 6.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 4.9 assists in 24 minutes per game, though injuries once again hampered his overall effectiveness. Despite his challenges, the French-American guard has shown glimpses of his defensive abilities and playmaking talent, posting several double-digit assist games during his career.
