The Cleveland Cavaliers are tightening up their training camp roster, and have made a tough cut with a week left until the start of 2025-26.
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Per HoopsHype's Michael Scotto, Cleveland has opted to waive former lottery pick guard Killian Hayes, who is rapidly burning through the goodwill yielded by his pre-draft upside.
The 6-foot-5 guard was selected with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons. After failing to develop offensively, Hayes was cut by Detroit in February 2024.
A draft bust's third chance
The next season, Hayes signed an affiliate deal with the Brooklyn Nets' G League affiliate, the Long Island Nets. Hayes inked a 10-day contract with Brooklyn, appearing in six games for the Nets. He was ultimately not re-signed.
Hayes agreed to an Exhibit 10 training camp deal with Cleveland last month. He'll now likely latch on with the Cavaliers' NBAGL squad, the Cleveland Charge. Should he stay with the Charge, the 24-year-old will become eligible for a bonus worth up to $85,300.
Although Hayes had some upside defensively, he has yet to build out much of an offensive game. Across 216 career games with Detroit and Brooklyn (150 starts), Hayes has averaged 8.1 points on .383/.281/.777 shooting splits, 5.2 dimes, 2.9 boards and 1.4 steals per.
The Cavaliers also cut two more training camp signings on Wednesday, forwards Tristan Enaruna and Norchad Omier, according to the league's player transaction log.
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