Report: Kings bringing veteran PGs in for workouts
The Sacramento Kings will work out two veteran guards as Sacramento explores experienced backcourt options behind rookie starter Darius Acuff Jr
BY FRANKIE CARTOSCELLI
Aug 20, 2026, 7:01 AMUpdated:7:02 am
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The Sacramento Kings are beginning their search for veteran backcourt help, with NBA insider Jake Fischer reporting that the team will host Cam Payne for a workout Thursday
Payne would bring more than a decade of NBA experience to a Kings roster that is expected to lean heavily on rookie point guard Darius Acuff Jr
The seventh overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft is expected to enter training camp as Sacramento’s starting point guard, but the Kings are also looking for an experienced presence who can provide depth and mentorship as the team prepares for training camp at the end of September
Payne, 31, appeared in 22 games for the Philadelphia 76ers during the 2025-26 season, averaging 7.4 points, 2.6 assists and 1.1 steals in 17.0 minutes per game. He shot 33 percent from three-point range, although he struggled from the field as a whole (37 percent)
The veteran guard has spent time with seven NBA teams during his career, including the Oklahoma City Thunder, Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, Phoenix Suns, Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks, and the 76ers
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – MARCH 23: Cameron Payne #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball during a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Xfinity Mobile Arena on March 23, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/
Payne has carved out a role as a reserve capable of handling the ball, pushing the pace, and providing some shooting off the bench, shooting 36 percent from deep during his 11-year career
He is not the only experienced guard Sacramento is considering
The Kings have already been linked to Victor Oladipo, who has not played in the NBA since the 2022-23 season. Oladipo has dealt with significant injuries throughout his career but has averaged 16.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.7 steals over his NBA career
His experience as a former All-Star could make him an intriguing option if Sacramento believes he can still contribute, or at the very least, take Acuff under his wing
Fischer also reported that Sacramento is considering another familiar name in veteran guard Elfrid Payton. The Kings nearly selected Payton with the eighth pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, but instead chose guard Nik Stauskas
Payton, 32, last played in the NBA during the 2024-25 season and has career averages of 9.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 1.2 steals across nine seasons
The former 10th overall pick has extensive experience running an NBA offense and could offer a different type of veteran presence behind Acuff, as well as roster insurance if Acuff or Malik Monk were to miss any time
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – APRIL 11: Elfrid Payton #4 of the New Orleans Pelicans warms up prior to a game against the Miami Heat at Smoothie King Center on April 11, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the License Agreement. (Photo by Tyler Kaufman/
The Kings’ interest in veteran guards makes sense given the uncertainty surrounding their backcourt beyond the rookie point guard. Sacramento appears to be prioritizing players who can stabilize the second unit, help Acuff navigate his first NBA season and provide another reliable ball handler when the rookie is off the floor
With training camp approaching, the Sacramento Kings have time to evaluate their options
Thursday’s workout with Payne could be the first of several opportunities for Sacramento to determine which veteran guard is the best fit for its evolving roster, one that is already shaping up to look much different from the 2025-26 product that finished with a record of 22-60
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- Why Russell Westbrook decided to walk away from the Kings
- Darius Acuff Jr. made Andre Miller take notice at Kings’ summer workouts
- Why the Kings should still lean on Malik Monk in 2026-27
What is the next Sacramento Kings Offseason Event?
The start of the 2026-27 season is quickly approaching for Darius Acuff Jr. and the Sacramento Kings
Sacramento will begin training camp in late September as they prepare to begin preseason play on Monday, October 5th when they face Luka Doncic and the new-look Los Angeles Lakers at Golden 1 Center
Be sure to stay tuned to Sactown Sports all offseason for roster updates, analysis, and much more
Sacramento Kings Schedule: 2026-27 Preseason
- Monday, October 5th vs. Los Angeles Lakers (7 P.M. PST)
- Thursday, October 8th @ Los Angeles Lakers (7:30 P.M. PST)
- Saturday, October 10th @ Golden State Warriors (5:30 P.M. PST)
- Tuesday, October 13th vs. Portland Trail Blazers (7:00 P.M. PST)
- Friday, October 16th @ San Antonio Spurs (7:00 P.M. PST)
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