Nets Make Roster Move Ahead of Cavs Game

Amid this news, Brooklyn has made two roster moves, with one involving Bogdanovic.

“The Brooklyn Nets are finalizing a 10-day contract with former No. 7 overall pick Killian Hayes, agent Yann Balikouzou tells ESPN," Charania reported on X. "Hayes went to training camp in Brooklyn and has played for Nets’ Long Island NBA G League, averaging 21 points and 8.3 assists."

The NBA insider added, "The Nets are waiving veteran forward Bojan Bogdanovic, sources said, freeing up two open roster spots to sign Hayes and two-way guard Tyrese Martin to a standard NBA contract."

Hayes, 23, was drafted seventh overall by the Detroit Pistons in the 2020 NBA Draft but struggled to live up to expectations. After four underwhelming seasons in Detroit, where he played 210 games (145 starts) and averaged 8.1 points and 5.2 assists on 38.2% shooting, the Pistons waived him at the trade deadline last February.

Without an NBA roster spot to start the year, Hayes joined the Brooklyn Nets’ G League affiliate, the Long Island Nets. In 15 games, the 6-foot-5 guard impressed, averaging 16.8 points, 7.7 assists, and 5.4 rebounds—numbers that ultimately earned him a shot with Brooklyn on a 10-day contract.

Interestingly, Hayes’ contract is set to expire on March 1, the same day the Nets visit the Pistons, potentially setting up a reunion against his former team.

The Nets hope Hayes can provide a much-needed boost as they push through the second half of the season. Brooklyn currently sits 12th in the Eastern Conference with a 20-34 record and will look to turn things around as they take on the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers Thursday night.