Killian Hayes’ time with the Brooklyn Nets has come to an end. According to Brian Lewis of the New York Post, the team will not sign him to a second 10-day contract despite his recent role as a starter.
Hayes signed with Brooklyn on February 20 after the team waived Ben Simmons, stepping in as the starting point guard for the past five games. In six total appearances, he averaged 9.0 points, 5.2 assists, and 3.0 rebounds in 27.2 minutes per game.
The decision not to retain Hayes may indicate that D’Angelo Russell is nearing a return. The former All-Star has been sidelined, forcing Brooklyn to rely on a mix of backcourt options in his absence.
Hayes, 23, was initially with the Nets during training camp but suffered a hip injury that slowed his progress. He later signed a G League contract with the Long Island Nets before being called up to the main roster.
It remains unclear if Hayes will rejoin Long Island or explore opportunities with another NBA team. His recent performances could attract interest from franchises in need of a backup point guard.
Brooklyn, currently 12th in the Eastern Conference with a 21-39 record, remains focused on its rebuilding process. With the postseason unlikely, the organization continues evaluating its roster for the future.
The former lottery pick spent his first four seasons with the Detroit Pistons, where he struggled with consistency but showed promise as a playmaker and defender. His stint with the Nets provided a brief showcase of his development.
With Hayes now a free agent, his next move will be worth monitoring as teams look to add depth for the final stretch of the season.
