Sacramento, CA – The Sacramento Kings have secured guard Killian Hayes to a two-year contract, according to agent Yann Balikouzou of LIFT Sports Management. The news, first reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania on Sunday, provides Hayes with much-needed stability after two 10-day contracts with the team. The Kings, currently navigating a late-season stretch with numerous absences, have evidently seen enough potential in the 24-year-old to invest in his future.
While the terms of the deal weren’t immediately disclosed, reports suggest the second year holds a team option, allowing the Kings to maintain control over Hayes’ development. This structure is common for players in similar situations, offering a low-risk opportunity to evaluate their long-term fit.
Hayes, a former No. 7 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons, had shown flashes of promise during his time in the league. His recent performance in the G-League, even earning an All-Star Game invitation, and his initial stint with Sacramento caught the eye of Kings coach Doug Christie.
“I really like what we’ve seen from Killian,” Christie said, as reported by BasketUSA. “I told him and other guys, making shots is one thing, but his defensive presence, his ability to read the game, find open players, distribute the ball… the scoring will come.”
However, translating that potential into consistent production remains a challenge. Through 10 games with the Kings this season, Hayes is averaging 3.8 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in 15.3 minutes. His shooting percentages are currently a concern, with a 26.9% field goal percentage and 20.8% from three-point range (5-of-24 from beyond the arc).
Despite the statistical shortcomings, Christie remains optimistic. “There’s confidence, and he’s always running the team. He has to think about everyone, there’s a lot to do at the point guard position. But his defense on the ball-handler has been very quality. His physical impact, his attitude… there are a lot of things I like about Killian. I’m super, super, super proud of him,” Christie stated. Hayes now has 14 games remaining in the regular season to further demonstrate his value and solidify his place with the Kings.
The Kings’ decision to sign Hayes comes at a time of significant injury challenges for the team. Adding a ball-handler with potential provides much-needed depth and flexibility as they navigate the remainder of the season. While not a guaranteed fix, the move represents a calculated gamble on a player who once held considerable promise.
Hayes’ journey to this point has been marked by inconsistency. After being selected seventh overall in 2020, he showed glimpses of playmaking ability and defensive tenacity with the Pistons. However, he struggled to find a consistent role and improve his shooting efficiency. His time in Brooklyn was brief, and his recent 10-day contracts with Sacramento were essentially tryouts. Now, he has a genuine opportunity to establish himself in the NBA.
The Kings’ coaching staff will likely focus on developing Hayes’ strengths – his court vision, passing ability, and defensive intensity – while working to improve his shooting mechanics. If he can grow a more reliable shooter, he could become a valuable asset for Sacramento, providing a spark off the bench and contributing to their overall offensive flow.
For Hayes, What we have is a critical juncture in his career. He has the talent to succeed in the NBA, but he needs to consistently demonstrate his value and prove that he can be a reliable contributor. The Kings are giving him that chance, and it’s up to him to seize it.
| Killian Hayes | Pourcentage | Rebonds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saison | Equipe | MJ | Min | Tirs | 3pts | LF | Off | Def | Tot | Pd | Fte | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2020-21 | DET | 26 | 25:46 | 35.3 | 27.8 | 82.4 | 0.2 | 2.4 | 2.7 | 5.3 | 2.2 | 1.0 | 3.2 | 0.4 | 6.8 |
| 2021-22 | DET | 66 | 24:57 | 38.3 | 26.3 | 77.0 | 0.5 | 2.6 | 3.2 | 4.2 | 2.8 | 1.2 | 1.7 | 0.5 | 6.9 |
| 2022-23 | DET | 76 | 28:21 | 37.7 | 28.0 | 82.1 | 0.4 | 2.5 | 2.9 | 6.2 | 2.9 | 1.4 | 2.3 | 0.4 | 10.3 |
| 2023-24 | DET | 42 | 24:00 | 41.3 | 29.7 | 66.0 | 0.3 | 2.6 | 2.8 | 4.9 | 1.8 | 0.9 | 1.2 | 0.5 | 6.9 |
| 2024-25 | BKN | 6 | 27:00 | 41.9 | 38.1 | 83.3 | 0.8 | 2.2 | 3.0 | 5.2 | 2.2 | 0.7 | 1.5 | 0.7 | 9.0 |
| 2025-26 | SAC | 10 | 15:18 | 26.9 | 20.8 | 83.3 | 0.2 | 1.8 | 2.0 | 3.3 | 1.7 | 0.5 | 0.7 | 0.0 | 3.8 |
Comment lire les stats ? MJ = matches joués ; Min = Minutes ; Tirs = Tirs réussis / Tirs tentés ; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points tentés ; LF = lancers-francs réussis / lancers-francs tentés ; Off = rebond offensif ; Def= rebond défensif ; Tot = Total des rebonds ; Pd = passes décisives ; Fte : Fautes personnelles ; Int = Interceptions ; Bp = Balles perdues ; Ct : Contres ; Pts = Points.
The Kings next face the Los Angeles Lakers on March 18th at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento. This game will be an important test for the team as they continue to push for a playoff spot in the Western Conference.
What do you think of the Kings’ decision to sign Killian Hayes? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
