Sacramento Kings Working Out 3 Notable Veteran Free Agents
The Kings will begin a series of veteran workouts tomorrow by hosting Cam Payne, sources say. We’ve already reported Sacramento’s interest in Victor Oladipo. Another experienced ball handler the Kings are considering, per sources, is Elfrid Payton.
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) August 20, 2026
Payne, the 32-year-old point guard, is the first one in. He last played for the 76ers last season, appearing in 22 games, averaging 7.4 points, 2.6 assists, 2 rebounds and 1.1 steals in 17 minutes per game. He's averaged 7.7 ppg and 3.2 assists over his 11-year career.
Payton, 32, last played for the New Orleans Pelicans and Charlotte Hornets in the 2024-25 season and averaged 3.5 points and 6.9 assists. He was also out of the league for the two seasons before that, playing in the G League and in Puerto Rico. He's a nine-year veteran who has averaged 9.8 ppg and 5.8 assists.
Oladipo, 34, is more of a combo guard, and comes with higher upside, though higher risk as well. He hasn't played in the NBA since the 2022-23 season due to a torn patellar tendon and has been working these past three years toward an NBA comeback. He's a former two-time All-Star and NBA Most Improved Player, but those honors came nearly a decade ago.
Russell Westbrook was reportedly still on the Kings' radar for this season to bring that veteran presence to the backcourt, but his retirement earlier this month has forced the team to look at other options.
Sacramento is handing the starting job to the fresh-faced 19-year-old rookie Acuff Jr., the 7th overall pick in this year's NBA Draft. He averaged 23.5 points per game for Arkansas last season in college, with 6.4 assists. But having a veteran behind him will be a necessity for the Kings to mentor Acuff and help him navigate the trials and tribulations of his first NBA season.