Brooklyn Nets Waive Killian Hayes Ahead of 2024-25 Season

The Brooklyn Nets have waived former first-round draft pick Killian Hayes, as reported by Shams Charania of ESPN. Hayes, who has been recovering from a hip injury, was unable to participate in the preseason games, leading to the team’s decision on Saturday.

Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez confirmed that Hayes was not practicing with the team prior to their game against the Philadelphia 76ers. Fernandez stated, “I would love to [play him], but we’ll assess him when we get back and see what we can do right there. We’re not going to rush him because his health is our priority. … No need to risk. He’s done a good job.” This cautious approach underscores the importance the team places on player health.

The 2024-25 season marks a new chapter for Hayes as he is set to join the Long Island Nets in the NBA G League. This move follows a challenging period for the 23-year-old guard, who has struggled to live up to the expectations that accompanied his selection as the seventh overall pick by the Detroit Pistons in the 2020 NBA Draft.

Throughout his four seasons with the Pistons, Hayes had nearly 150 starts in 210 games. Despite this opportunity, he faced difficulties in achieving consistency. In the previous season, under the management of Coach Monty Williams, Hayes played in 42 games, averaging seven points and five assists per game while shooting 41 percent from the field and 30 percent from beyond the arc.

The Pistons were unsuccessful in trading Hayes before opting to waive him, leaving him as a free agent for the remainder of the 2023-24 season. His time with the Nets was seen as a comeback opportunity, though his inability to participate in the preseason leaves his future with the franchise uncertain.