Evaluating the Kings' Best Free Agent Options Before Training Camp

The Sacramento Kings are expected to sign one more player before the 2026-27 season starts, with training camp just over a month away, yet we are still not sure who their final spot will go to. Keep in mind, the Kings have two open roster spots, but it would be very surprising if they used both.

Recently, the Kings have been linked to three veteran guards, who seem like the most likely candidates: Victor Oladipo, Cam Payne, and Elfrid Payton, NBA insider Jake Fischer reported,

The Kings will begin a series of veteran workouts tomorrow by hosting Cam Payne, sources say. We’ve already reported Sacramento’s interest in Victor Oladipo. Another experienced ball handler the Kings are considering, per sources, is Elfrid Payton.
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) August 20, 2026

The Kings have brought in both Oladipo and Payne for a workout, and it would not be surprising if Payton also came into Sacramento to meet with the team. The Kings are doing their due diligence for this 14th roster spot, and while it is a group of players who would be much more intriguing in 2018 than 2026, that does not mean the Kings cannot find value here.

Who is the Kings' best option?

From an actual on-court impact perspective, it does not seem like much of a competition between these three candidates. Oladipo has not played an NBA game since 2022-23, and Payton has not since 2024-25. The only player of the three to appear in the NBA last season was Payne, who averaged 7.4 points, 2.0 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.1 steals through 22 games for the Philadelphia 76ers.

"CAM PAYNE IS COOKIN."

Career-high 7 threes... on just 7 attempts 🔥

Grizzlies/Sixers down to the wire! pic.twitter.com/NW71X4UoOh
— NBA (@NBA) March 11, 2026

If the Kings are looking for a legitimate backup point guard to play behind star rookie Darius Acuff Jr., Payne is the obvious option. However, we have still seen Payton make an impact in recent years. In an 18-game stretch for the New Orleans Pelicans in 2024-25, Payton averaged 4.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 8.1 assists per game, showing off his high-level playmaking skills.

The most questionable candidate is undoubtedly Oladipo, who has played just 26 professional games (all in the G League) in the past three years. However, he could be the most valuable veteran presence, whose return to the NBA could be the display of hard work and determination this young Kings roster needs to see firsthand.

Other candidates

Apr 11, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Ben Simmons (25) during the third quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

While those three are the only names actively being mentioned as potential free agent candidates for the Kings, they should certainly look at other options. If they are looking to fuel an NBA comeback, why not talk to Ben Simmons? The 6-foot-10 point guard can defend and handle the ball, although he might not be the "veteran presence" the Kings are looking for.

Other guys like Brandon Williams, who is the most ready to step into a backup point guard role, should be considered, with Gabe Vincent and Bruce Brown as more veteran-minded options. Regardless, there are undoubtedly better on-court options than Oladipo, Payne, and Payton, but it seems like they value the veteran presence of those players more than their potential on-court impact.

Of the three free agents the Kings are rumored to have interest in, Payne is likely the best option, but it could be much more beneficial to look at other candidates before they make a decision.

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