The Knicks have signed Nigel Hayes to a partially-guaranteed contract

From directly out of left field, the Knicks have signed four-year Wisconsin product Nigel Hayes to a partially guaranteed contract, per Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.

Hayes averaged 5.2 points, 5 rebounds, 1.4 assists and shot 41% from the field in about 15 minutes per game during the Orlando Summer League. I’m not sure how Knicks fans will feel about the signing. To be honest, I’m not even sure how Hayes will feel about the signing.

Nevertheless, the partially guaranteed contract will at least earn Hayes a spot at training camp where he will be competing for a roster spot. While the 15-man roster is now complete, players like Chasson Randle could still be released if outplayed by Hayes or Jamel Artis (who many might argue outplayed them both this summer).

While the details of the signing are unclear at this time, the Knicks still have one available two-way contract to use, the first of which was given to Luke Kornet. If Hayes makes the team in any capacity, one has to assume that his time would be spent mostly in Westchester. For now though, the 6’7” forward will be wearing orange and blue until further notice.