After a series of 10-day contracts, French guard Killian Hayes has secured his future with the Sacramento Kings, signing a two-year deal with the team. The Kings announced the signing on Saturday, providing Hayes with much-needed stability after a period of uncertainty.
Hayes, 22, joined the Kings in late February after being waived by the Detroit Pistons, the team that originally drafted him seventh overall in the 2020 NBA draft. He initially signed two consecutive 10-day contracts before the Kings opted to offer him a longer-term commitment. The move signals the Kings’ confidence in Hayes’ potential contribution as a backup point guard and a versatile defender.
Hayes’ Impact in Sacramento
During his time with Sacramento, Hayes has shown flashes of the potential that made him a lottery pick. He’s averaged 8.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.2 assists in 16 games with the Kings, shooting 44.8% from the field. While his three-point shooting remains a work in progress (31.8% from beyond the arc), his ability to penetrate the defense and create opportunities for teammates has been a valuable asset.
Kings coach Mike Brown has praised Hayes’ defensive intensity and willingness to learn. “He’s a very willing learner,” Brown said, according to the Kings’ official website. “He’s always asking questions, trying to figure out how he can acquire better. And he’s a tough kid. He’s not afraid to get in there and mix it up.”
The Road to Sacramento
Hayes’ journey to the Kings hasn’t been without its challenges. He struggled to find consistent playing time in Detroit, and his development was hampered by injuries. The Pistons waived him in February, opening the door for him to join a Kings team in need of backcourt depth. The Kings, currently battling for playoff positioning in the Western Conference, were looking for a guard who could provide a spark off the bench and contribute on both ends of the floor.
The Kings have been relatively healthy this season, but injuries to key players like De’Aaron Fox and Kevin Murray have highlighted the importance of having reliable backups. Hayes provides that insurance, offering a different skillset than the team’s other guards. His ability to handle the ball, create plays, and defend multiple positions makes him a valuable addition to the Kings’ roster.
What This Means for the Kings’ Playoff Push
Sacramento is currently in a tight race for playoff seeding in the Western Conference. Securing Hayes on a two-year deal provides continuity and allows him to further integrate into the team’s system. The Kings will need all hands on deck as they navigate a challenging schedule down the stretch.
The Kings’ next game is Monday, March 18th, against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Hayes’ role in that game, and in the remaining games of the regular season, will be closely watched as the Kings look to solidify their playoff position. The team will be looking for him to continue to provide energy, defense, and offensive contributions off the bench.
For fans following the NBA, this signing represents a potential turning point for Hayes, offering him a stable environment to develop his game and contribute to a winning team. It likewise provides the Kings with a valuable asset as they pursue a deep playoff run.
The Kings have not disclosed the financial terms of the contract, but it is expected to be a non-guaranteed deal, allowing the team flexibility in the future. This structure allows Sacramento to evaluate Hayes’ performance over the next two seasons and make a decision about his long-term future with the organization.
Killian Hayes will undoubtedly be looking to prove himself in Sacramento, and the Kings are providing him with the opportunity to do just that. His success will be a key factor in the team’s playoff aspirations.
The Kings play the Timberwolves on Monday, March 18th.
