Reece

Beekman

On the final day of his 10-day contract, Hayes returned to the city where his NBA career began. The former lottery pick struggled against the team that drafted him, shooting 1-of-6 from the field while providing modest production in the rebound and assist categories. The Nets will have a decision to make regarding Killian. The health of D’Angelo Russell will likely influence the Nets’ decision regarding Hayes. Reece Beekman (3/1/1/3 in 26 minutes) may figure more prominently in the bench rotation if the Nets do not re-sign Hayes and Russell remains out.

Both point guards were sidelined for their blowout loss to the Clippers on Wednesday, but they’ll be back for their matchup with the other Los Angeles team. This will be Russell’s return to LA to take on his former team that traded him a couple weeks ago. Tyrese Martin started in their last game, but he’ll return to playing a reserve role.

Not included in the initial trade reports on Saturday, Beekman is headed to Brooklyn to help make the financials work. Undrafted out of Virginia, the rookie guard spent most of this season with the Warriors’ G League affiliate. He’s unlikely to impact fantasy basketball in Brooklyn, but there may be opportunities if the Nets go all-in on a tank.

Beekman played four seasons at Virginia. During his senior season, he averaged 14.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 2.0 steals, 0.5 blocks and 0.9 triples. Beekman earned ACC All-Defense three times in his college career, and he was the ACC Defensive Player of the Year twice. He’ll be 23 in October, making him one of the oldest prospects in this year’s draft, though his experience, playmaking and quality defense should translate well at the next level. Beekman will likely be a better option on the court than for fantasy managers, at least in his first season. Especially given how impactful Gary Payton II and Brandin Podziemski were for the Dubs on defense last year.