The Sacramento Kings are signing a former top-10 draft pick amid a historic losing streak. According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Killian Hayes has agreed to a 10-day contract with the Kings, who have lost a franchise-record 16 consecutive games.
Hayes, the No. 7 pick in the 2020 NBA draft, spent three seasons with the Detroit Pistons before they released him midway through the 2023-24 campaign. He signed with the Brooklyn Nets last season and spent most of his time with the team's G League affiliate before a short NBA stint on a 10-day contract.
The 6-foot-5 point guard averaged 9.0 points, 3.0 rebounds and 5.2 assists on 42/38/83 shooting splits in 27.0 minutes per game in six appearances with Brooklyn. However, the Nets decided not to re-sign Hayes at the conclusion of a 10-day deal.
Killian Hayes signs 10-day contract with Kings after Cavs G League stint
Hayes turned down interest from the EuroLeague this offseason and signed a contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers before training camp. The Cavaliers waived him and assigned him to their G League affiliate. He impressed during his G League tenure, averaging 22.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, 8.4 assists and 1.6 steals on .474/.318/.804 shooting splits in 19 appearances.
Hayes should get a chance to prove his worth with the struggling Kings, who recently signed Zach LaVine, Domantas Sabonis and De'Andre Hunter out for the season.
With LaVine sidelined, Russell Westbrook has served as Sacramento's starting point guard in recent games. Devin Carter has filled the point guard minutes on the second unit.
The Kings will travel to face the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday.
