The Sacramento Kings are on the hunt for promising young talent as they navigate another challenging season. With a few games left, the Kings have decided to invest in potential by signing Killian Hayes to a two-year contract, according to Shams Charania of ESPN.
Hayes, who was the No. 7 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, initially joined the Kings on back-to-back 10-day contracts. This new deal offers him another shot at making a significant impact in the league.
His journey has been a rollercoaster. After spending over three years with the Detroit Pistons, Hayes was released during the 2023-24 season. He found a temporary home in the G League with the Long Island Nets, the Brooklyn Nets' affiliate, which led to a 10-day NBA contract that wasn't extended.
This season, Hayes has been with the Cleveland Charge in the G League, following a stint in training camp with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Kings saw potential and brought him on board, where he's appeared in 10 games, including one start, averaging just over 15 minutes per game.
His current stats with the Kings show an average of 3.8 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 3.3 assists. While his shooting percentages-26.9% from the field and 20.8% from beyond the arc-leave room for improvement, he’s been solid from the free-throw line at 83.3%. His standout performance came against the Charlotte Hornets, where he scored 11 points and dished out four assists, hitting 5-of-9 from the floor.
The Kings' decision to sign Hayes reflects their commitment to nurturing young talent and building for the future. If Hayes can find his rhythm, he could become a key piece in Sacramento's long-term plans.