Kings Sign Former Lottery Pick Killian Hayes to 10-Day Contract
SACRAMENTO, CA – The Sacramento Kings are adding some backcourt depth, signing former Detroit Pistons lottery pick Killian Hayes to a 10-day contract, according to reports from MLive and Heavy.com. The move comes as the Kings navigate a challenging season marked by injuries and a lengthy losing streak.
Hayes’ Journey Back to the NBA
Hayes, 24, was selected seventh overall in the 2020 NBA Draft by the Pistons. While he showed flashes of potential during his time in Detroit, averaging 8.1 points, 5.2 assists, and 2.9 rebounds across 210 games, he ultimately didn’t fully establish himself as a key player. He last appeared in an NBA game on March 1, 2025, for the Brooklyn Nets.
After being waived by the Pistons, Hayes spent time in the G League, most recently with the Cleveland Charge, where he significantly elevated his game. This season, he’s averaging an impressive 23.1 points on 47% shooting, along with 8.3 assists and 1.7 steals per game.
“He’s averaging 23.1 points on 47% shooting, with 8.3 assists and 1.7 steals per game during his time with the Charge.” – MLive
Opportunity with a Struggling Kings Team
The Kings, currently at the bottom of the league with a 16-game losing streak, have been hit hard by injuries, with three players undergoing season-ending surgeries. This creates an opportunity for Hayes to showcase his skills and potentially earn a longer-term contract.
As noted by SI.com, What we have is a low-risk, high-reward signing
for the Kings, providing much-needed depth at the point guard position.
G League Success
Hayes’ strong performance in the G League earned him recognition, including being named G League Player of the Week and participating in the 2026 NBA G League Next Up Game as part of All-Star weekend.
Key G League Stats (2026 Season)
- Points Per Game: 23.1
- Field Goal Percentage: 47%
- Assists Per Game: 8.3
- Steals Per Game: 1.7
Looking Ahead
Hayes will look to make the most of this opportunity with the Kings, hoping to prove he can contribute at the NBA level. The Kings, in turn, will be evaluating whether he can be a valuable addition to their roster as they navigate the remainder of the season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What position does Killian Hayes play?
Killian Hayes is a point guard.
How was Killian Hayes originally drafted?
He was drafted 7th overall in the 2020 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons.
What G League team did Hayes play for most recently?
He played for the Cleveland Charge.
Did you know? Hayes previously had a short stint with the Brooklyn Nets on a 10-day contract last year.
Stay tuned to 247sports.news for continued coverage of Killian Hayes and the Sacramento Kings.
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