The Cleveland Cavaliers have added another layer to their roster construction by reaching an agreement with Killian Hayes. The 24-year-old guard, once a lottery pick and still regarded as a player with untapped potential, will now continue his NBA journey in Cleveland. The report, first shared by Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, confirms that Hayes has chosen to keep chasing opportunities in the league rather than explore the lucrative contracts offered overseas.
Hayes’ Recent NBA and G League Stints
Most recently, Hayes suited up for the Brooklyn Nets during the 2024–25 campaign, appearing in six NBA contests. In limited minutes he still managed to make an impression, averaging 9.0 points, 5.2 assists, and 3.0 rebounds while hitting 38 percent of his attempts from beyond the arc. Although the sample size was small, the flashes of growth were visible.
The bulk of his season, however, was spent with the Long Island Nets in the G League, where his production told a more complete story. Hayes appeared in 34 games, logging 16.7 points, 7.3 assists, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.1 steals per outing. Beyond raw numbers, his shooting efficiency marked a step forward in his development. He connected on 46 percent of his attempts from the field, including a 37.1 percent clip from three-point range, attempting five per game with confidence. For a player once criticized for streaky shooting, this consistency showed a notable leap.
Determination to Stay in the NBA
Hayes’ path back to a full-time NBA roster was not without alternatives. Earlier this year, EuroLeague clubs expressed real interest in bringing him overseas, where his skillset as a tall playmaking guard could have translated into a starring role. Rather than pursue that route, Hayes held firm in his decision to remain in the United States and pursue another opportunity at the highest level. His patience and persistence have now been rewarded with this deal in Cleveland.
From Detroit Beginnings to a Fresh Start
Drafted seventh overall by the Detroit Pistons in 2020, Hayes entered the league with expectations of becoming the floor general for a rebuilding franchise. He spent four years in Detroit, showing flashes of defensive tenacity and passing creativity, before his stint came to an end. His next chapter arrived in February 2025 when he signed a short-term contract with the Brooklyn Nets. Though brief, it provided the platform to demonstrate that he could still contribute meaningfully at the NBA level.
In total, Hayes’ career numbers across 216 NBA games now stand at 8.1 points, 5.2 assists, and 2.9 rebounds per contest. These averages reflect both his playmaking strength and his potential to contribute as more than just a secondary option.
How Hayes Fits in Cleveland
Standing six-foot-five, Hayes provides the Cavaliers with size and flexibility in the backcourt. Cleveland’s guard rotation is already headlined by Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell, but the team has been seeking additional contributors to manage the workload and keep the roster balanced. Hayes’ ability to run the offense, defend multiple positions, and contribute as a secondary scorer makes him a natural fit in a system looking to stay competitive in the Eastern Conference.
The Cavaliers’ decision to bring Hayes aboard is also a nod to their long-term planning. Injuries and fatigue often test a team’s depth across an 82-game season, and Cleveland now adds a player with both professional experience and upside. Hayes’ defensive instincts and improved shooting could allow him to carve out a role, while his passing vision may provide much-needed relief when Garland or Mitchell sit.
Closing Perspective
For Killian Hayes, this signing represents more than just another roster spot. It is another chance to prove himself in the league that drafted him five years ago, and an opportunity to show that his development in the G League and determination to remain stateside were worth the gamble. For the Cavaliers, the deal brings an intriguing blend of size, versatility, and untapped potential into a backcourt that already carries heavy responsibility.
As Cleveland looks to climb higher in the Eastern Conference standings, Hayes arrives with both the hunger of a player determined to stay in the NBA and the skills of a guard who has already experienced the ups and downs of a professional career. His journey is far from complete, and this chapter in Cleveland might yet become the one that defines it.
