The Nets made an intriguing addition to their backcourt on Thursday, agreeing to a one-year deal with former lottery pick Killian Hayes, per Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Hayes, still just 22, was the seventh overall selection by the Detroit Pistons in the 2020 NBA Draft, taken one pick ahead of where the Knicks drafted at No. 8, as New York ultimately ended up selecting Obi Toppin.
Touted at one point as one of the best pure point guards in his draft class, which also included LaMelo Ball, Tyrese Haliburton, and Tyrese Maxey, Hayes has struggled to adapt to the NBA level. In four pro seasons, Hayes, who was born in Lakeland, Fla. but grew up in France, has averaged 8.1 points and 5.2 assists per game, shooting just 27.7 percent from three-point range and 38.2 percent overall from the floor.
The Nets currently have a handful of point guard options on the roster, including the veteran Dennis Schroder and the often-injured guard-forward Ben Simmons.
Hayes will likely be competing for one of the final spots on the roster.
