The Sacramento Kings are actively seeking to bolster their backcourt with seasoned talent, reportedly commencing a series of workouts for veteran guards. This strategic move follows a challenging season where the team concluded with a 22-60 record, missing the playoffs for the third consecutive year. The Kings are particularly keen on integrating an experienced ball-handler to provide guidance and stability alongside their newly drafted rookie, Darius Acuff Jr.
Kings Exploring Options for Backcourt Reinforcement
In a significant development, the Sacramento Kings initiated a series of workouts for veteran players on Thursday, targeting seasoned guards to enrich their roster for the upcoming 2026-27 season. Among the prominent names invited was Cam Payne, a 32-year-old point guard boasting 11 years of NBA experience across 499 games. Payne recently concluded a stint with the Philadelphia 76ers during the 2025-26 campaign, where he averaged 7.4 points, 2.6 assists, and 1.1 steals over 17 minutes per game in 22 appearances. His resume also includes 10 EuroLeague games with Partizan, where he showcased his playmaking abilities with averages of 12.4 points and 3.9 assists over 23.3 minutes, maintaining a 40.2% field goal percentage and 33.3% from beyond the arc.
Beyond Payne, the Kings are also evaluating other veteran options, notably Victor Oladipo and Elfrid Payton, as they strategically assess potential ball-handling additions. This pursuit of experienced guards is primarily driven by the team's shift towards a younger core, highlighted by their selection of Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr. as the seventh overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. The organization believes that a veteran presence could offer essential insurance and mentorship for Acuff, allowing the rookie to acclimate and develop without the immediate burden of solely orchestrating the offense. Payne, with his career average of 3.2 assists per game and experience as both a starter and reserve (72 starts in 499 games), aligns well with this vision.
Payne's most notable NBA contributions occurred during his time with the Phoenix Suns, where he averaged 10.8 points and 4.9 assists in the 2021-22 season, followed by 10.3 points and 4.5 assists in 2022-23. More recently, he demonstrated consistent perimeter shooting, hitting 39.0% of his three-point attempts during the 2023-24 season, split between Milwaukee and Philadelphia. While the Kings already possess established backcourt scorers in Malik Monk and Zach LaVine, and Domantas Sabonis remains a primary facilitator, the recent trade of Devin Carter to Atlanta has created a need for additional depth at the point guard position.
This proactive approach by the Sacramento Kings reflects a clear intention to cultivate a more competitive team structure. By integrating veteran experience, they aim to create a supportive environment for their emerging talents, particularly Darius Acuff Jr., ensuring a smoother transition and development curve. The addition of a seasoned guard like Cam Payne could provide the strategic depth and leadership necessary to navigate the rigors of an NBA season, offering both on-court contributions and invaluable guidance to the younger players.
