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Nets’ Killian Hayes Signing Has Potential Amid Flurry Of Moves

Brooklyn Nets point guard Killian Hayes

The Brooklyn Nets are signing point guard Killian Hayes to an Exhibit 10 contract, per HoopsHype insider Michael Scotto.

Nets’ Killian Hayes Signing Has Potential Amid Flurry Of Moves

Hayes, the seventh overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, last played for the Detroit Pistons in 2023-24.

The 23-year-old was waived on Feb. 8, just before the 2024 NBA trade deadline, due in large part to the Pistons having issues with their backcourt chemistry. Despite being a lottery pick with high expectations himself, Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey were expected to be the team’s starting backcourt. However, former Pistons head coach Monty Williams opted to start Hayes over Ivey, causing a bit of disruption.

Hayes didn’t necessarily perform poorly when he was in the first unit. In the 31 games he started, he averaged 8.4 points, 5.3 assists, and 0.8 steals per game. A two-way playmaker, his ability to facilitate and play high-level perimeter defense was rightly valued by Detroit.

Yet, Hayes only made 43.5 percent of his field goals and 32.3 percent of his three-pointers. With the Pistons already struggling to create creases in the defense, he clogged the paint even more. His shot diet also left a lot to be desired, as a sizable chunk of attempts were pull-up two-pointers. He made 40.7 percent of his midrange attempts in 2023-24.

Hayes now gets the chance to rekindle his career with the Nets. A team that’s going through a rebuild, they might have the necessary patience as he continues his development. Just as importantly, they only have two point guards on standard contracts: Ben Simmons and Dennis Schroder.

With Simmons and Schroder both on the final season of their contracts, there’s an opportunity for him to grow into a larger role as time goes on. He just has to get through training camp first, putting one foot in front of the other.

Bringing Back Patrick Gardner

The Nets also signed Egyptian national team center Patrick Gardner to an Exhibit 10 contract. Prior to his signing, Gardner was playing for Petro de Luanda of the Basketball Africa League (BAL).

After going undrafted in 2023, Gardner played for the Miami Heat in Summer League. In four contests, he averaged 5.8 points and 3.3 rebounds in 11.7 minutes per game. The New York native then signed a training camp contract with the Nets in October. However, he was waived shortly after, joining their G League affiliate in Long Island for 2023-24.

In 18 games with Long Island, he posted 7.9 points and 5.4 rebounds per game while shooting 37.5 percent from 3. Following the conclusion of the G League season, he signed with the BAL’s Al Ahly. There, he received more playing time than he had since leaving college, averaging 18.0 minutes per contest. He didn’t waste the opportunity, tallying 10.5 points and 4.6 assists per game.

That summer, Gardner began playing for the Egyptian national team.

He got his feet wet in the 2023, playing in the FIBA AfroBasket Qualifiers. He then played for Egypt in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, averaging 8.8 points and 4.8 rebounds per game. In their first round matchup against Mexico, he exploded for 20 points. His most recent action with the Egyptian national team came during the 2024 Olympic Qualifying Tournaments.

Gardner’s best path to an NBA contract may be through the G League, whether as a two-way signing or otherwise. At this point in his career, he hasn’t done much to merit more than that. However, as a 6-foot-11 stretch-big with a knack for pulling down boards, there’s certainly intrigue about his addition.

Addressing The Perimeter Depth

After the Nets officially signed Chinese wing Yongxi ‘Jacky’ Cui to a two-way contract, they have two two-way openings. Hayes may very well be in line for one of those spots. Gardner could get the other one, fortifying Brooklyn’s center depth.

If not Hayes or Gardner, shooting guard Tyrese Martin and combo guard Amari Bailey are names to watch. The Nets also signed them to Exhibit 10 contracts amid their flurry of moves.

Both are young second-round picks with a year of NBA service. Both have the ability to make a positive impact at both ends of the floor. With Brooklyn’s concerning backcourt depth, they both also fit a need.

Quenton S Albertie

Quenton S Albertie

Quenton Albertie, a native of Ft. Hood, TX, is a credentialed media member with work featured on SLAM Magazine, Sports Illustrated, USA TODAY and other major publications. Currently residing in Atlanta, GA, Albertie’s favorite teams are the Cleveland Cavaliers and Denver Broncos.

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