The Brooklyn Nets have wrapped up their 2024-25 regular season campaign. The team has had several weeks to evaluate the talent on their squad, and many players were fresh faces. Unfortunately, not everyone from training camp can make the final roster, and the Nets made a decisive move on former Detroit Pistons guard Killian Hayes.
Hayes signed with the Nets in July but has not appeared in any preseason games due to recovery from a hip injury. Brooklyn waived Hayes on Saturday, per Erik Slater of ClutchPoints. The Nets also waived Amari Bailey and signed Tyrese Martin to their final two-way spot, Slater added.
It is tough to see high-caliber players miss out on final roster spots, but their journeys are not over. Killian Hayes plans to pursue a contract with G League affiliate Long Island Nets while he rehabs his hip, Shams Charania reports.
Hayes entered the NBA highly touted as the seventh overall pick of the Pistons in the 2020 draft. After averaging just under seven points per game during his first two years, Hayes improved to a career-high 10.3 points and 6.2 assists in 76 games played during the 2022-23 season. His hip ailments have hampered him, but he looks to turn a new corner with his next opportunity.
Nets roster coming into shape with conclusion of preseason
Brooklyn will open their season against the Atlanta Hawks on Oct. 23. Tyrese Martin and Cui Yongxi are two of the remaining players on the squad from the Nets' slew of roster moves before training camp. Unless something else happens before the regular season starts, Brooklyn's roster could be set.
One of the most pressing roster concerns is the health of Nic Claxton. Claxton has been dealing with hamstring tightness and has not played in the preseason. Nevertheless, there is optimism he will be ready for opening night. The sixth-year center anchors Brooklyn's defense, so his wellbeing is of utmost importance.
On a positive note, Ben Simmons looks healthy through the first part of the preseason, as promised. His playmaking, defense, and slashing ability will be huge for the Nets in 2024-25. It is unknown if he will have a future in the borough, but for the moment, he is highly valuable to the team.
Hopefully, the rest of the players on Brooklyn's roster can stay healthy as they prepare for the start of what should be an exciting season.