The Sacramento Kings are making moves to bolster their backcourt by signing free agent guard Killian Hayes to a 10-day contract. Hayes, who was the seventh overall pick by Detroit in the 2020 draft, had a tough time finding his groove offensively with the Pistons, leading to his release in February 2024.
At just 24, Hayes is looking for a fresh start after spending most of the past two seasons away from the NBA. He showcased his skills in the G League with Brooklyn’s affiliate in Long Island, where he posted impressive numbers: 17.3 points, 7.4 assists, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.0 steals per game, shooting .463/.371/.689 over 33 contests.
Hayes had a brief stint with the Nets during the 2024/25 season on a 10-day contract and later joined the Cavaliers for training camp on an Exhibit 10 deal, earning a bonus while playing for their affiliate, the Cleveland Charge. This season, he's been lighting it up in the G League, averaging 23.1 points, 8.3 assists, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game, with shooting splits of .468/.325/.800 over 28 games.
The Kings have room on their roster, so no cuts are necessary to bring Hayes on board. As a player with five years in the league, Hayes is set to earn $153,330 during his 10-day stint with Sacramento, while the team's salary cap will reflect a charge of $131,970.
This opportunity with the Kings could be a pivotal moment for Hayes to demonstrate his growth and potential at the NBA level. Fans will be watching closely to see if he can translate his G League success into meaningful contributions on the court for Sacramento.