NBA Market: The surprising signing of Sacramento Kings that no one could have expected

For a while, he was considered a future piece for the Detroit Pistons, but Killian Hayes' trajectory did not follow the expected path after being selected as the 7th pick in the Draft. After spending the entire season outside the NBA, the French guard has found a new opportunity.

NBA Market: The Sacramento Kings have signed Hayes to a 10-day contract. The Californian franchise, heavily affected by injuries, will give him the chance to prove that he still has a place in the league.

A Context Marked by Injuries

Sacramento has suffered three long-term absences in recent weeks: Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, and De'Andre Hunter are out for the remainder of the season. None of them play as a point guard, but the lack of available players has significantly reduced the team's rotation.

In the point guard position, depth behind Russell Westbrook is limited. Youngsters Devin Carter and Isaiah Stevens have barely played 25 games in the NBA this season combined.

Following Dennis Schroder's trade at the deadline, Carter had a noteworthy streak of four games where he averaged nearly 30 minutes, 15 points, and four assists. However, his role drastically decreased last Saturday, playing only six minutes, as the franchise seems to prioritize long-term development and future prospects.

An Irregular Journey in the NBA

Hayes' peak in Detroit came in his third season, 2022-23, averaging 10.3 points and 6.2 assists while starting in 56 of the 76 games he played. However, his progress did not fully materialize, leading the Pistons to waive him after not finding a trade destination in the 2024 market. He played 42 games that season.

He then signed a 10-day contract with the Brooklyn Nets, appearing in six games last season without subsequent continuity.

This season, Hayes had been playing with the Cleveland Cavaliers' G League affiliate, the Cleveland Charge. In 19 games, he averaged 22.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 8.4 assists, numbers that reignited his candidacy for an NBA return.

He will now have a limited opportunity with Sacramento to try and sustain that performance at the highest level.

Throughout his five seasons in the NBA, Hayes has averaged 8.1 points and 5.2 assists per game, with a 28.1% three-point shooting accuracy. His new contract is a chance to change the trend and seek stability in the league.

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