September 16, 2026 • 12:02 PM EDT
Updated 1 hours ago
Sacramento is still hunting for a veteran backup to support their new star rookie, Darius Acuff, at point guard. Now, Elfrid Payton is coming to training camp on a one-year, non-guaranteed contract, giving him a chance to grab that spot. Realistically, this is a low-risk move for the Kings as they try to balance roster depth, luxury tax concerns, and backup guard reliability.
Payton is up against Ben Simmons — who is also signed to a one-year, non-guaranteed deal — for the backup role. Simmons is probably the frontrunner, but Payton’s experience means he’s got an outside shot if he can show he still brings steady playmaking and defense. According to Yahoo Sports, Payton will use training camp as his proving ground.
Here’s why this matters for bettors: Sacramento only has 13 standard contracts right now, so there’s real competition for roster spots — and salary cap flexibility is tight. The Kings expect to enter the season with a 14-man group, so every camp invite is crucial. Backups behind Acuff will have a real impact on this rotation, especially if injuries or rookie growing pains come up.
Payton’s had a journeyman run in the league, with nine seasons under his belt. However, over the last four years, he’s seen limited action — just 24 games played in that span, and he was out of the NBA last season. His most recent stint came in 2024-25, splitting those 24 games between New Orleans and Charlotte, where he averaged 3.5 points and 6.9 assists but struggled with just 32.8 percent shooting. Scoring never really defined his career, but he’s always been known as a capable passer and a guy who’ll work on defense.
If you’re playing futures or thinking about projecting Sacramento’s guard rotation, here’s the outline: Simmons is still the likely pick for backup duties, but Payton has a slim but real shot if Simmons falters or the Kings prefer Payton’s style next to Acuff. Still, a deep playoff run likely depends more on the rookie’s growth than whoever wins this camp competition.
Key developments for Sacramento’s roster
- Elfrid Payton signed a one-year, non-guaranteed camp contract with the Kings.
- Veteran Ben Simmons is also in camp on a similar deal, likely with the inside track for backup minutes.
- Sacramento needs a backup point guard behind rookie starter Darius Acuff.
- The Kings currently hold 13 standard contracts, so there are one or two open roster spots.
- Carrying both Simmons and Payton would leave Sacramento little luxury tax flexibility.
- The Kings are expected to open the season with 14 players to maintain a buffer for trades or financial moves.
What matters for bettors?
- Back-up point guard role is open — watch camp and preseason rotations for hints.
- If Payton makes the team, expect limited scoring but possible assists/defense in spot minutes.
- Ben Simmons holds the frontrunner status for now, but Kings’ flexibility is limited if both are kept.
- Rookie Darius Acuff holds the key starting job, so all eyes will be on his production and health.
- Sacramento keeps cap flexibility in mind, likely stopping at 14 rostered players.
- Whoever wins the backup job could see real minutes if Acuff hits rookie walls or needs rest.
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