Kings add Elfrid Payton to compete for roster spot

The Kings are adding another veteran guard who can pass, defend and rebound.

Shooting? Well, no roster is perfect.

Free agent point guard Elfrid Payton has agreed to join Sacramento and will compete for a regular-season roster spot, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.

Payton, 32, has appeared in 524 NBA games but spent three of the past four seasons out of the league. He last played for the Pelicans and Hornets in 2024-25, averaging 3.5 points, 6.9 assists, 3.3 rebounds and 1.0 steal in 24 appearances.

He also shot 32.8 percent from the field and 16.7 percent on threes. So, yeah, Sacramento knows what it is buying here.

The Kings reportedly wanted a veteran point guard who could back up and mentor rookie Darius Acuff Jr., the No. 7 overall pick. Payton fits that description, and there is a familiar connection: Sacramento general manager Scott Perry was working in Orlando when the Magic drafted Payton 10th overall in 2014.

Payton is expected to receive a non-guaranteed minimum deal. He’ll join another former lottery pick, Ben Simmons, in competing for a place on the opening-night roster.

Sacramento has 13 players on guaranteed contracts, meaning both veterans technically could make it. Carrying a full 15-man roster, however, would leave the Kings only about $438,000 below the luxury-tax line.

So Payton has an opportunity. He’ll just need to earn it without the benefit of anyone guarding him at the three-point line.