Kings Sign Patrick Baldwin Jr. and Killian Hayes Amid Struggles

The Sacramento Kings add two former first-round picks to their roster as they try to turn around a challenging season.

Feb. 23, 2026 at 7:10pm

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The Sacramento Kings have signed forward Patrick Baldwin Jr. to a two-way contract and guard Killian Hayes to a 10-day deal as they look to bolster their roster amid a 16-game losing streak and multiple season-ending injuries to key players. Both Baldwin and Hayes are former first-round draft picks seeking to prove their value in the NBA.

Why it matters

The Kings' moves reflect their pragmatic approach to a difficult season, as they look to provide opportunities for Baldwin and Hayes to showcase their skills while the team navigates its struggles. The signings come as the Kings hold a 12-46 record after 58 games, underscoring the challenges they have faced this season.

The details

Patrick Baldwin Jr., 23, was the No. 28 overall pick by the Golden State Warriors in the 2022 NBA Draft and has appeared in 96 NBA games so far, averaging 3.7 points and 2.0 rebounds in 8.0 minutes per game. This season, he has been more productive in the G League with the San Diego Clippers, averaging 21.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.2 steals across 18 appearances. Killian Hayes, 24, was selected seventh overall by the Detroit Pistons in the 2020 NBA Draft and has faced challenges establishing himself in the league, averaging 8.1 points, 5.2 assists, 2.9 rebounds, and 26.1 minutes per game. In the G League with the Cleveland Charge this season, Hayes has posted averages of 23.1 points, 8.3 assists, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.7 steals over 28 games.

  • The Kings signed Patrick Baldwin Jr. to a two-way contract and Killian Hayes to a 10-day deal on February 23, 2026.

The players

Patrick Baldwin Jr.

A 23-year-old forward who was the No. 28 overall pick by the Golden State Warriors in the 2022 NBA Draft. He has appeared in 96 NBA games so far, averaging 3.7 points and 2.0 rebounds in 8.0 minutes per game.

Killian Hayes

A 24-year-old guard who was selected seventh overall by the Detroit Pistons in the 2020 NBA Draft. He has faced challenges establishing himself in the league, averaging 8.1 points, 5.2 assists, 2.9 rebounds, and 26.1 minutes per game throughout his career.

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What they’re saying

“The Sacramento Kings are signing former No. 7 overall pick Killian Hayes to a 10-day contract, sources tell ESPN.”

— Shams Charania, ESPN Analyst

The takeaway

The Kings' signings of Patrick Baldwin Jr. and Killian Hayes reflect their efforts to bolster their roster and provide opportunities for young players to prove themselves amid a challenging season marked by injuries and a 16-game losing streak. The moves underscore the team's pragmatic approach as they navigate their struggles and look to the future.