Killian Hayes
Getty
Killian Hayes during his 10-day contract with the Brooklyn Nets in February 2025
Former Detroit Pistons lottery pick Killian Hayes is quietly forcing his way back into NBA conversations, as a strong run of form in the G League has reignited interest in the once highly-regarded guard.
Selected seventh overall by the Pistons in the 2020 NBA Draft, Hayes entered the league with expectations of becoming a long-term fixture in the backcourt.
While flashes of playmaking and defensive upside were evident early, injuries, persistent inconsistency and shooting struggles prevented him from fully establishing himself. After four uneven seasons, Detroit ultimately moved on, closing the chapter on a tenure that never quite found stability.
Since then, Hayes has turned to the NBA’s developmental system to rebuild his value. Now playing for the Cleveland Charge, the G League affiliate of the Cleveland Cavaliers, his production this season has put him firmly back on the radar, with another NBA opportunity appearing increasingly realistic.
Detroit Pistons Exit Sparked Career Reset
Time away from the NBA spotlight has allowed Hayes to address areas that once limited his effectiveness. In the G League, he has embraced a larger offensive role, playing with renewed confidence as a scorer while maintaining the passing instincts that originally made him a lottery pick.
Following a stint with the Long Island Nets during the 2024-25 season, Hayes earned a 10-day contract with the Brooklyn Nets. He appeared in six games, averaging 9.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 5.2 assists, though the deal was not extended.
“I’ve seen [Hayes] play live in practice and you guys haven’t,” Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez said at the time, via Sports Illustrated. “I’ve seen him and I’m very happy with him. […] He’s like a true point guard.”
“Having a quote-unquote traditional backup point guard also is good for us,” Fernandez added. “Give it a look. This 10-day is important, not just for him, but also for us. And he can do the things we ask him to do, we know who he is. That’s the reason why we brought him in the first place.”
While he returned to the G League, the opportunity highlighted both Hayes’ personal momentum and the league’s growing reliance on the G League as a legitimate talent pipeline. This season, however, his impact has been far more pronounced.
Through 13 games spanning the Tip-Off Tournament and the start of the regular season, Hayes is averaging 25.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, 8.1 assists (7th-highest league-wide), and 1.8 steals per game. He is shooting 47.3% from the field and 34.3% from three-point range on 7.8 attempts.
On Nov. 28, Hayes delivered a statement performance against the Windy City Bulls, pouring in 40 points while adding five assists, three steals, and two blocks.
Crucially, Hayes remains on a standard G League contract and is not tied to Cleveland, leaving him free to sign with any NBA team that shows interest.
With 10-day contracts opening outside of hardship exceptions and the guaranteed contract deadline approaching, Hayes has continued to build momentum. He closed 2025 with a 34-point, nine-assist performance and followed it up with 28 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 10 assists to open 2026.
Long labeled a below-average shooter, Hayes has made tangible progress, reshaping his offensive approach and playing with a decisiveness that had often been missing earlier in his career.
Why NBA Teams Are Taking Another Look
While scoring alone does not always translate from the G League to the NBA, Hayes’ appeal goes beyond raw numbers. His ability to control tempo, defend multiple guard positions, and facilitate offense will stand out to evaluators.
Consistent minutes have played a major role in that growth. Freed from fluctuating roles and restrictions, Hayes has played with confidence and clarity, something that was often difficult to achieve late in his Detroit tenure.
The renewed interest also reflects a broader league trend. Teams are increasingly willing to revisit former high draft picks, particularly those still in their early-to-mid 20s, when they show clear development in alternative settings. At 24, Hayes still offers size, experience, and defensive versatility that carry value.
The main limitation is contractual. With five NBA seasons already completed, Hayes is no longer eligible for a two-way deal, meaning any return will need to come via another 10-day contract or a standard NBA agreement.
As teams continue to monitor guard depth amid injuries and roster churn, Hayes’ name continues to surface as a low-risk option with upside. This time, the attention feels earned, and another NBA opportunity may not be far away.