Killian Hayes moves to Oklahoma City Blue

Killian Hayes has moved to the Oklahoma City Blue in the G-League after the team acquired his returning player rights in a trade with the Cleveland Charge. The deal included the rights to three players and a 2026 second-round draft pick.

Trade details include multiple player rights

The trade involved the returning player rights to Justyn Hamilton and Babatunde Akingbola from the Charge, in exchange for the rights to Zack Austin and the draft pick. However, Hayes is not yet signed to the Oklahoma City Thunder for the upcoming NBA season.

Hayes remains an unrestricted free agent

Hayes has been an unrestricted free agent since the Sacramento Kings declined their option for the 2026-2027 season. He was selected seventh overall in the 2020 NBA Draft but remains without an NBA team as the season approaches.

G-League performance highlights Hayes' skills

In the G-League, Hayes has been performing primarily since 2024 and was named to the second-best five players of the 2025-2026 season. He averaged 23.1 points, 46.8% shooting, 8.3 assists, and 1.7 steals in 31.8 minutes per game over 28 games.

Notable games and awards in G-League

During the 2025-2026 season, Hayes had a standout 40-point game on November 28 and two games with 18 assists. He was also named G-League Player of the Week from December 19 to January 4, helping the Charge win four consecutive games during that period.

Hayes had brief NBA stint with Sacramento

Hayes returned to the NBA briefly in February 2026 with the Sacramento Kings on a 10-day contract, which was later extended to finish the 2025-2026 season. However, the Kings did not extend his contract beyond that season.

Career began with Detroit Pistons

Originally selected seventh overall in the 2020 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons, Hayes was expected to be a key player in the team's rebuilding efforts. Over four seasons with Detroit, he played in 210 games, averaging 8.1 points on 38.2% shooting. The Pistons parted ways with him during the 2023-2024 season.

Hayes explored options before settling in G-League

Following his departure from Detroit, Hayes joined the Long Island Nets in the G-League before being called up to the Brooklyn Nets for six games during the 2024-2025 season. He also considered a European stint during the 2025 off-season but ultimately remained in the G-League, joining the Cleveland Charge.

New opportunity with Oklahoma City Blue

After his time in Sacramento, Hayes has yet to find a permanent home. His acquisition by the Oklahoma City Blue may offer him a new opportunity with a franchise known for its overall quality of work.