NBA Notes: Kings, Cameron Payne, Jae Crowder, Thunder, lineup

Kings

The Kings are taking a look at some familiar names as they consider how to fill out their roster.

Sacramento will begin a series of veteran workouts Thursday, with Cameron Payne among the first players coming through the door, according to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line and Bleacher Report.

Payne, 32, appeared in 22 games for the 76ers last season, averaging 7.4 points and 2.6 assists in 17 minutes. He previously played a key reserve role for the Knicks in 2024-25.

Fischer reports that Elfrid Payton is another veteran point guard Sacramento is considering bringing in for a look. Payton spent last season in the G League after appearing for the Pelicans and Hornets in 2024-25.

The Kings also continue to have interest in Victor Oladipo, who is attempting an NBA comeback. Sacramento was among the teams that attended the 34-year-old’s pro day in Las Vegas last month.

The Kings have 13 players under contract, so there’s room to do something. Whether any of these workouts lead to a deal is another matter.

Free agency

Jae Crowder is headed overseas for the first time in his career.

The 36-year-old forward has signed with French club ASVEL Basket for the 2026-27 season, the team announced.

Crowder last appeared in the NBA with Sacramento in 2024-25 and spent part of last season playing in Puerto Rico. He played 13 NBA seasons overall, appearing in 812 regular-season games for nine teams and averaging 9.3 points and 4.2 rebounds.

ASVEL is coached by former NBA star Tony Parker and has been busy adding recognizable names. Former Spurs guard Patty Mills has also joined the club, while ASVEL reportedly is in advanced talks with former NBA first-round pick TyTy Washington Jr.

Crowder carved out a long NBA career largely as a physical defender and 3-and-D forward. Now he’ll see what he can do in the EuroLeague.

Thunder

The Thunder have most of their starting lineup figured out. The fifth spot appears to be up for grabs.

Justin Martinez of The Oklahoman identified Cason Wallace and Ajay Mitchell as the primary candidates to replace Luguentz Dort, who was traded to Atlanta this summer in what Oklahoma City president Sam Presti called a financial decision.

Wallace would be the more natural Dort replacement. He earned All-Defensive honors last season and can provide high-level perimeter defense without requiring much of the ball alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein.

Mitchell offers something different. He emerged during the playoffs and provides more on-ball creation, something Oklahoma City has occasionally lacked when its primary scorers aren’t generating offense.

That also may be the argument for not starting him. Mitchell’s ability to create could make him more valuable running the second unit, while Wallace slides more easily into the role vacated by Dort.

Alex Caruso and Jared McCain give coach Mark Daigneault still more possibilities. Not exactly a bad problem for the Thunder to have.