NBA: two Frenchmen Frank Ntilikina and Killian Hayes “cut” by their franchise

The arrival of a Frenchman may hide the departure of another. As every year, the trade deadline, the equivalent of the transfer window closing, brought its share of surprises. Last in the Eastern Conference, Detroit cleared its roster: 6 arrivals and 6 departures. Released by the New York Knicks after just 13 minutes of action under his belt, Evan Fournier should find playing time at Michigan this season.

But in terms of departure, former Cholet Basket Killian Hayes has been cut off by his franchise. The leader was selected 7th overall in the 2020 draft, a record for a Frenchman before Vembanyama.

In an unstable team that has been peering into the depths of the league for four years, he has not been able to find his place. In his rookie season, averaging 6.8 points, 2.7 rebounds and 5.3 assists, Hayes struggled shooting, shooting just 38 percent, including 27 percent from long range. Not enough return for the Pistons, who decided to part ways with the Frenchman.

The former Cholet player may hope to find a base in another franchise with a “buyout” market (buyout in French) where he can be recruited by the franchise. The new transfer window is open until the end of the regular season, April 14.

Another collateral victim of yesterday’s moves, Frank Ntilikina is a free agent again. Under contract with the Hornets since the start of the season, he was hampered by a torn tibia in the preseason. Back in January, he only played 5 games and was content with starved playing time: 43 minutes, averaging 1 point on 11% shooting.

The sample size is small, but former Knicks will also have to bounce back on their new team. In his absence at the World Cup, he showed defensive qualities that the Blues lack in that position. And with five months before the Olympics, the two leaders will have to find a rhythm to arrive in Paris.