Knicks sign former Wisconsin star Nigel Hayes to partially guaranteed deal

The New York Knicks have signed Nigel Hayes. He is on his way to New York, and ready to make a big impact on the Knickerbockers.

It seems the Knicks front office liked what they saw from Nigel Hayes’s summer league campaign. Hayes was signed to a “partially guaranteed” deal.

The star out of Wisconsin averaged 12.4 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 2.1 apg while shooting 45 percent from the floor over four seasons.

Hayes played well for New York in this years summer league averaging 4.3 ppg, 4.2 rpg and shot 41.1 percent.

In the Knicks final summer league game, Hayes led with 13 points, six rebounds, two assists on 6-of-12 shooting.

His final performance was enough for New York to sign the 22-year-old. Standing at 6 foot 8 with

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a 7 foot 3 wingspan will give the Knicks more depth on the defensive end. Hayes’s outside shot is where he shines the most.

Now, there has been issues in the past with Hayes and his feelings towards the city he is now employed in.

During this past March when the Badgers played in New York for the NCAA Tournament Hayes had some nasty comments.

"The city is too big and dirty. There is trash everywhere, there’s too many people and it’s cold right now. It’s nice to look at in the movies and stuff, but I’ve had my share of it. I’m just trying to come here and win some basketball games."

This is what was said by Hayes before his first workout with the Knicks after his junior year at Wisconsin. This left a bad taste in New Yorkers mouth since.

Hayes is now on his way to his first career NBA season with the Knicks. The contract that was presented to him had a two-way contract clause. The Knicks still have one remaining for next season.

Hayes will need time to develop at first. Transitioning from a four-year career in college to the professional level is rare in today’s league.

Next: The Complete Recap of the 2017 Subway Series

Hayes is eager to begin his dreamed career in New York starting Oct. 19 as Oklahoma City Thunder host the Knicks.