The Sacramento Kings are making moves, and they've decided to give Killian Hayes a longer runway. After signing the former NBA lottery pick to a 10-day contract, the Kings have opted to extend his stay for the rest of the season, with an eye on the future.
Kings Secure Hayes for the Long Haul
Just hours before their matchup against the Utah Jazz, the Kings announced that Hayes will be sticking around. According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Hayes is set to ink a two-year deal, though the financial details are still under wraps.
Since donning a Kings jersey, Hayes has seen action in 10 games, averaging 15.3 minutes per contest. While his shooting has been less than stellar-hitting just 26% from the field for 3.8 points per game-he's shown promise as a playmaker with 3.3 assists and a commendable turnover rate of less than one per game.
Hayes' journey to Sacramento has been a winding one. Drafted seventh overall by the Detroit Pistons in 2020, he spent four years with the team before being released in the 2023-2024 season. His path included stints in the NBA G League, where he most recently played for the Cleveland Cavaliers' affiliate, the Charge.
Before arriving in Sacramento, Hayes had logged over 200 NBA games, with career averages of 8.1 points, 5.2 assists, and 2.9 rebounds per game. His shooting percentages stood at 38% from the field and 28% from beyond the arc.
The Kings' decision to invest in Hayes suggests they see potential for growth and a valuable addition to their roster. As the season unfolds, it will be intriguing to see how Hayes capitalizes on this opportunity to solidify his place in the league.