NBA Rumors: Nets Waive Killian Hayes; Drafted No. 7 Overall in 2020 by Pistons

Former No. 7 overall pick Killian Hayes has been waived by the Brooklyn Nets ahead of the start of the 2024-25 NBA season.

Per ESPN's Shams Charania, Hayes will join the Nets' G League affiliate while he continues to rehab a hip injury and pursue an NBA deal.

The Nets signed Hayes on Sept. 20 after being waived by the Detroit Pistons in February. General manager Sean Marks said the rationale behind the deal was to take a chance on a talented young player who has yet to hit his stride as a pro.

"I think for where we are, it's important to bring in several guys like that. Like Killian, who have, for whatever reason, they haven't stuck on several teams, and I think you've sort of seen that M.O. with us in the past," Marks explained.

Hayes didn't appear in any of Brooklyn's four preseason games due to a hip injury. Head coach Jordi Fernandez told reporters on Wednesday the team didn't want to force him back onto the court before he was physically ready to go.

"I would love to [play him], but we'll assess him when we get back and see what we can do right there," said Fernandez. "We're not going to rush him because his health is our priority. … No need to risk. He's done a good job."

Hayes has dealt with hip injuries over the course of his career after tearing his right labrum in January 2021. He also missed two games in January 2022 due to a hip injury.

The Pistons selected Hayes with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft. He played three seasons in France and Germany from 2017 to '20 prior to entering the NBA draft.

During his four seasons with the Pistons, Hayes averaged 8.1 points on 38.2 percent shooting and 5.2 assists per game in 210 appearances.

When Hayes is healthy enough to play, going to the G League will allow him to get reacclimated to playing in a low-pressure setting. The 23-year-old's most recent appearance in a game was on Feb. 7.

Given the current state of the Nets' roster, it's sensible for them to work with a recent lottery pick like Hayes to see if he can turn his career around. They aren't trying to win games this season anyway, so giving minutes to as many young players as possible is a sound strategy.

The Long Island Nets will open the G League season against the Maine Celtics on Nov. 8.