Sacramento Kings Sign Former First-Round Pick Killian Hayes to 10-Day Contract

The 24-year-old guard has been playing well in the G League for the Cleveland Charge.

Feb. 22, 2026 at 9:21pm

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The Sacramento Kings have signed former 7th overall draft pick Killian Hayes to a 10-day contract, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. Hayes last played in the NBA during the 2024-25 season with the Brooklyn Nets, where he averaged 9.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game. He has spent this season in the G League with the Cleveland Charge, where he has been putting up impressive numbers of 23.1 points, 8.3 assists, and 1.7 steals per game on 47% shooting.

Why it matters

The Kings have struggled this season, currently sitting as the 15th seed in the Western Conference with a 12-46 record. Signing Hayes to a 10-day deal gives them a chance to evaluate the 24-year-old guard and see if he can provide a boost to their roster and potentially earn a longer-term contract.

The details

Killian Hayes was the 7th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, selected by the Detroit Pistons. He spent the first four seasons of his career in Detroit before joining the Brooklyn Nets last season. Now, he'll get a chance to prove himself with the Kings on a 10-day contract.

  • Killian Hayes last played in the NBA during the 2024-25 season with the Brooklyn Nets.
  • The Sacramento Kings signed Hayes to a 10-day contract on February 22, 2026.

The players

Killian Hayes

A 24-year-old guard who was the 7th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. He has career averages of 8.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 1.2 steals per game in the NBA.

Sacramento Kings

An NBA team that is currently the 15th seed in the Western Conference with a 12-46 record this season.

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What they’re saying

“The Sacramento Kings plan to sign Killian Hayes to a 10-day deal, sources told @hoopshype. Hayes has averaged 23.1 points on 47% shooting from the field with 8.3 assists and 1.7 steals per game for the Cleveland Charge. Agent Yann Balikouzou of LIFT Sports Management did the deal”

— Michael Scotto (HoopsHype)

“When Killian Hayes joined Nets last season, he was labeled worst player in NBA after Detroit dumped him. He developed his shot and became a solid G Leaguer. Got 10-day with Nets. They drafted fellow French PG Traore so he moved on. Now he's back. Good for him.”

— NetsDaily (Twitter)

What’s next

The Kings will have 10 days to evaluate Killian Hayes and decide if they want to sign him to a longer-term contract.

The takeaway

Killian Hayes has worked to improve his game in the G League after struggling early in his NBA career. This 10-day deal with the Kings gives him a chance to prove he can contribute at the NBA level and potentially earn a more permanent role.