Brooklyn Nets' Killian Hayes to Sit out Preseason Finale

The Exhibit 10 guard has yet to see the floor in a Nets uniform.

Sep 30, 2024; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets guards Amari Bailey (19, Killian Hayes (4), and forward Tyrese Martin (13) during media day at Brooklyn Nets Media Day at HSS Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images / Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

When Killian Hayes was brought onto the Brooklyn Nets this past summer, many hoped that the move would signal a career revival for the once-lottery selection. The 6-foot-5 combo guard never caught on with the Detroit Pistons after being picked seventh overall back in 2020, and under head coach Jordi Fernandez's tutelage, was supposed to be handed a second chance.

That opportunity has yet to be seen for the 23-year-old, who earned an Exhibit 10 contract from Brooklyn in late September.

After missing the Nets' first three preseason contests, Brian Lewis of the New York Post reported that Hayes is set to miss tonight's finale against the Toronto Raptors.

"Not surprisingly, point guard Killian Hayes is not expected to play in tonight's preseason finale," the insider posted to his X account.

Not surprisingly, point guard Killian Hayes is not expected to play in tonight's preseason finale. #Nets

— Brian Lewis (@NYPost_Lewis) October 18, 2024

Due to the structure of his deal, Hayes is not eligible to receive a two-way spot from the franchise due to his previous tenure in Detroit. That leaves Brooklyn with two options: either hand him a final roster spot, or cut him loose.

Despite the decision to hold Hayes out of the home matchup with Toronto, Fernandez appears to be nothing but pleased with what he's seen in practice.

“We'll see how it plays out but so far I'm happy with [Hayes], everything he's done,” the rookie head coach said following Monday night's blowout victory over the Washington Wizards. “He’s like a true point guard.”

Fernandez added that a decision regarding Hayes' future will be made "as a group."

As the Nets' regular season-opener against the Atlanta Hawks looms on Oct. 23, that decision will likely be coming soon.

---

Want to join the discussion? Like Nets on SI on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date on all the latest Nets news. You can also meet the team behind the coverage.