Kings Sign Former No. 7 Pick to 10-Day Contract as Injuries Pile Up

The Sacramento Kings have lost 16 straight games, and there’s no end in sight for their struggles amid the injuries to their key players.

Sacramento has lost three players to season-ending injuries in recent days. Big man Domantas Sabonis underwent surgery to repair the meniscus tear in his left knee, an injury he suffered in November that caused him to miss 27 straight games in an attempt to rehab it.

Zach LaVine, meanwhile, also opted to undergo a procedure to address a tendon injury in his right hand. He has been ruled out for the campaign.

The latest King to undergo surgery was De’Andre Hunter, who was traded to Sacramento before the deadline. Hunter suffered an eye injury during their Feb. 6 game against the Los Angeles Clippers and was eventually diagnosed with a retinal detachment.

Now, with three players out, the Kings made a move on Sunday to add some backcourt depth. According to Shams Charania of ESPN, Sacramento is signing NBA guard Killian Hayes to a 10-day contract.

Former Brooklyn Nets guard Killian Hayes (7) controls the ball during a game.Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

(Bill Streicher-Imagn Images)

Hayes was drafted seventh overall by the Detroit Pistons in 2020. He largely struggled to find a significant role with Detroit, although he did show flashes of becoming a reliable contributor.

In 2022-23, which was arguably his best season in the NBA, he averaged 10.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, 6.2 assists and 1.4 steals in 76 games played. Throughout his career, though, he has put up 8.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.2 steals.

Hayes was waived by the Pistons in 2024 and eventually signed with the Brooklyn Nets, who released him as well before the 2024-25 season started. He joined the Long Island Nets afterward and landed a 10-day contract with the Brooklyn squad, playing in six NBA games in that span.

The 24-year-old Hayes most recently played for the Cleveland Charge in the G League, averaging 22.4 points and 8.5 assists.

It remains to be seen if Hayes will be able to land another 10-day contract or secure a standard NBA deal. However, he should have plenty of opportunities with a team that is lacking depth at the guard position.

The Kings play the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday. Over the next 10 days, they also face off against the Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns.

Aside from Hayes, the Kings also signed former Golden State Warriors forward Patrick Baldwin Jr. to a two-way deal.

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Feb 23, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Kings Sign Former No. 7 Pick to 10-Day Contract as Injuries Pile Up

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