What Happened to Killian Deron Antron Hayes?
Killian Hayes, a French-American point guard, was a highly-touted prospect drafted 7th overall by the Detroit Pistons in 2020. After struggling to find consistent success and being waived by the Pistons in 2024, he revitalized his career in the NBA G League, earning an All-NBA G League Second Team selection in 2026, and subsequently signed a two-year contract with the Sacramento Kings in March 2026.
Quick Answer
Killian Hayes is currently a professional basketball player for the Sacramento Kings in the NBA, having signed a two-year contract with the team on March 15, 2026. Prior to this, he had a standout season in the NBA G League with the Cleveland Charge, where he was named to the 2025-26 All-NBA G League Second Team on April 7, 2026. He was drafted 7th overall by the Detroit Pistons in 2020 but was waived in February 2024 after an inconsistent tenure.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Drafted by Detroit Pistons
Killian Hayes was selected as the 7th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons, entering the league with high expectations.
Waived by Detroit Pistons
After four seasons marked by inconsistency and injuries, the Detroit Pistons waived Killian Hayes.
Signed with Brooklyn Nets
Hayes signed with the Brooklyn Nets, attempting to find a new NBA opportunity after his Pistons tenure.
Waived by Brooklyn Nets
The Brooklyn Nets waived Hayes before the start of the regular season.
Joined Long Island Nets
Hayes joined the Long Island Nets, the G League affiliate of the Brooklyn Nets, to continue his professional career.
Signed 10-day contract with Brooklyn Nets
His strong G League play earned him a 10-day contract with the Brooklyn Nets, appearing in six NBA games.
Signed with Cleveland Cavaliers
Hayes signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers, looking for another chance to secure an NBA roster spot.
Waived by Cavaliers, joined Cleveland Charge
The Cavaliers waived Hayes, and he was expected to join their G League affiliate, the Cleveland Charge, where he would have a significant impact.
Career-high 40 points in G League
While playing for the Cleveland Charge, Hayes scored a career-high 40 points in a G League game.
Named G League Player of the Week
Hayes was recognized as the NBA G League Player of the Week for his outstanding performance during this period, leading the Charge to a 4-0 record.
Signed 10-day contract with Sacramento Kings
His strong G League season led to a 10-day contract with the Sacramento Kings, providing another NBA opportunity.
Signed second 10-day contract with Kings
The Sacramento Kings signed Hayes to a second 10-day contract, indicating continued interest in his contributions.
Signed two-year contract with Sacramento Kings
After two successful 10-day stints, Hayes secured a two-year contract with the Sacramento Kings, solidifying his return to the NBA. The 2026-27 season is non-guaranteed.
Named All-NBA G League Second Team
Hayes was recognized for his outstanding 2025-26 G League season with the Cleveland Charge by being named to the All-NBA G League Second Team.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Killian Hayes' professional journey began with high expectations after being selected as the 7th overall pick by the Detroit Pistons in the 2020 NBA Draft. Born in Lakeland, Florida, but raised in France, Hayes showcased promising playmaking and defensive skills during his early career in Europe with Cholet and Ratiopharm Ulm. However, his four seasons with the Pistons (2020-2024) were marked by inconsistency, shooting struggles, and injuries, preventing him from fully establishing himself as a foundational piece for the franchise. He averaged 8.1 points and 5.2 assists in 210 games with the Pistons before being waived on February 8, 2024.
Following his departure from Detroit, Hayes sought to rebuild his value in the NBA's developmental system. He initially signed with the Brooklyn Nets in September 2024 but was waived before the regular season, subsequently joining their G League affiliate, the Long Island Nets, in October 2024. His strong play in the G League earned him a 10-day contract with the Brooklyn Nets in February 2025, where he averaged 9.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 5.2 assists in six games, though the deal was not extended.
In September 2025, Hayes signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers, but he was waived in October 2025 and joined their G League affiliate, the Cleveland Charge. This move proved to be a significant turning point. During the 2025-26 G League season, Hayes excelled, averaging 23.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, 8.3 assists, and 1.7 steals in 28 games for the Charge. He recorded a career-high 40 points on November 28, 2025, and was named NBA G League Player of the Week from December 19, 2025, to January 4, 2026.
His impressive G League performance garnered renewed NBA interest, leading to the Sacramento Kings signing him to a 10-day contract on February 23, 2026. After a second 10-day contract on March 5, 2026, the Kings signed Hayes to a two-year deal on March 15, 2026, securing his return to a full NBA roster. The 2026-27 season of his contract is non-guaranteed, providing the Kings with flexibility. As of April 3, 2026, with the Kings, he has averaged 4.7 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in limited minutes. On April 7, 2026, Hayes' exceptional G League season was recognized with his selection to the 2025-26 All-NBA G League Second Team. He continues to serve as a backup point guard for the Sacramento Kings, aiming to solidify his role in the NBA.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Killian Deron Antron Hayes made different choices?