Brooklyn Nets guard D'Angelo Russell is back with the Nets, but his leadership always stood out to Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson.

Despite starting the past five games for the Nets, Killian Hayes won’t be kept on a second 10-day contract, The Post has learned. The move could be a sign that starting point guard D’Angelo Russell is on the brink of a return to the court.

Going into night two of a back-to-back set, the Detroit Pistons are looking to bounce back against a Brooklyn Nets team that loaded up their injury report. The star guard D’Angelo Russell is among the names who will be out of the mix on Saturday.

The Brooklyn Nets will be without their starting point guard for at least the next two games. D’Angelo Russell will remain sidelined through the weekend as he recovers from an ankle sprain. The veteran has missed the team’s last three games after injuring his ankle during Thursday’s loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

D'Angelo Russell's ankle injury presents a major hurdle for the Nets as they fight for the Eastern Conference's final play-in spot.

PHILADELPHIA — D’Angelo Russell’s importance as the Nets’ leader and so-called alpha is clearest when they struggle without him. And Brooklyn will be without him for Saturday’s game in Philadelphia, sidelined with a sprained right ankle.

Brooklyn Nets guard D'Angelo Russell is believed to want to stay in Brooklyn for next season, according to Brian Lewis of the New York Post.

Brian Lewis: Brooklyn did not keep Killian Hayes on a second 10-day contract, sources told the Post. After Hayes started the past five straight games, his deal expired today. It could be a sign that starting point guard D'Angelo Russell is getting close to a return. #Nets -via x.com / March 2, 2025