The Kings appear ready to hand Darius Acuff Jr. the keys. They may just want an experienced passenger riding alongside him.
Sacramento has been looking at veteran guards on the free-agent market as it prepares to make Acuff, the No. 7 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, its primary point guard.
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Kings recently brought veteran Cameron Payne in for a workout. Sacramento also attended a private workout for former All-Star Victor Oladipo, while Elfrid Payton is another name believed to be on the team’s radar.
None would presumably be brought in to stand in Acuff’s way.
Instead, the idea would be to add some experience behind a rookie who’s expected to play significant minutes and potentially put himself in the Rookie of the Year conversation.
Payton, 32, last appeared in the NBA during the 2025-26 season, splitting 24 games between the Pelicans and Hornets. He averaged 3.5 points, 6.9 assists and 3.3 rebounds in 21.3 minutes.
He spent last season with the Austin Spurs of the G League, averaging 6.4 points, 5.8 rebounds and 5.7 assists in 29 games.
Payne would offer considerably more NBA experience as a reserve, while Oladipo continues to pursue a comeback after injuries derailed what was once an All-Star career.
Either way, Sacramento’s intentions seem fairly clear. Acuff is going to get his opportunity. The Kings are just looking for another veteran voice in the room while he does.
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