23-Year-Old Guard Signs with the Nets

The Brooklyn Nets have acquired Killian Hayes on a one-year deal. Hayes spent the first four years of his career in Detroit with the Pistons. After being taken seventh overall in 2020, Hayes’ game struggled to translate to the NBA. Averaging just 8.1 points per game and 5.2 assists per game on 2.0 turnovers and 38.2% from the field, the overseas guard did not have the same success as he did in France.

The Pistons looked to trade Hayes at the deadline of last season. Hayes took a major step down from year three to four and only played 42 games on top of that. Hayes now looks to make the most out of his opportunity in Brooklyn. The Nets are taking a swing on the once highly touted prospect, hoping his skillset can be better used in Brooklyn.

It’s now up to Hayes to determine if he can be a “redemption project.” Being picked ahead of guards like Tyrese Haliburton, Tyrese Maxey, and Immanuel Quickley, it is clear that the Pistons did not get a franchise changer. However, Hayes still has time to develop into a skilled guard and turn his career around. With many years still ahead of him, the Nets now hope they found a bargain in free agency.