Zalgiris Kaunas and center Kevarrius Hayes have agreed to the existing option for the second year of their contract together and to add another one-season option to it, the club announced on Monday. The new contract would last through the 2024-25 season if completed.
Hayes, 26, helped Zalgiris reach this season's EuroLeague playoffs as a started in 28 of 37 games. In his first season in Kaunas, he led the club in total (35) and average (0.9) blocked shots despite playing under 18 minutes per night. He ranked second on the team in total (163) and average (4.4) rebounds and third in total steals (27). Hayes ranked among the top six shot-blockers in the EuroLeague by average, total and per-minute measures.
His return alongside frontcourt mate Rolands Smits, whom Zalgiris retained late last week, assures the kind of continuity around the basket that the club was aiming for.