The peak of NBA free agency is over. Even though teams are still conducting business and trying to finalize the back end of their rosters, most roster spots have been spoken for. There will still be free agent signings and moves on the margins, but the options are dwindling for any player still unsigned on the open market.
This includes several former Pistons, whose NBA careers are in jeopardy after five weeks of free agency. They may have no choice but to try their luck abroad to revive their careers.
Killian Hayes
Even though it has been clear for a while that it would be better for Hayes' career to play abroad for a while, the former Piston has resisted this path. He has been adamant in his desire to stay in the NBA system, instead spending a lot of time in the G League over the last couple of seasons.
For a player who grew up in France and played professionally in Europe before coming to the NBA, this is somewhat surprising. It's not hard to imagine that Hayes' game would be better suited to the slower and less athletic stylings of European basketball.
Hayes finished last season with the Sacramento Kings after starting the year with the Cleveland Charge of the G League. He had a couple of big games for the tanking Kings, but his stats for the full campaign were horrendous once again. He shot 30.4% from the field and 27% from three on his way to 5.5 points in 17.7 minutes per game.
It's difficult to imagine Hayes having too many suitors in the NBA. His options will be between the G League and overseas. He should still be able to get a deal from a EuroLeague team. Before that option dries up, Hayes may be wise to take the opportunity.
Isaiah Livers
No one had as high expectations for Livers as they did with Hayes, but the former second-round pick of the Pistons had flashed a lot of promise early in his career. In his limited opportunities in the first two seasons of his career, Livers showcased an intriguing two-way skill set. He had the size, shooting, and defense to be a rotation player in the NBA.
After he was traded to the Wizards as part of the Marvin Bagley deal, things haven't worked out for the former Michigan standout. He missed a full season after undergoing serious hip surgery, and he hasn't been the same ever since.
He was on a two-way deal with the Suns last year, but after not playing in the G League and seeing the court very little in the NBA, it's difficult to imagine him generating interest. He may have to take his talents overseas.
Lindy Waters III
When Waters was acquired as part of the trade that landed Dennis SchrÓ§der in Detroit at the 2025 deadline, he was seen as a potential contributor. He was unearthed and developed by the Oklahoma City Thunder and had been decent in his rotation role in Golden State. However, he failed to make much of an impact with the Pistons.
He ended up signing with the Spurs last season, but spent most of the year out of the rotation. Now, he remains unsigned in free agency.
On paper, Waters can shoot and defend. However, his shot hasn't gone in at a high enough rate in the NBA to get him on the court. He is already 29 years old, so a standard deal may not be in the cards for him. He has to either accept a two-way deal or head overseas to revive his career.
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