After finishing at the bottom of the Western Conference table in the 2025-26 season, the Sacramento Kings would aspire to improve. Unfortunately, with the team struggling to kick-start its rebuilding process, the Kings are still viewed as a relatively weaker team.
Although this is an underwhelming state for a franchise to be in, there are some bright sparks to look out for in the upcoming season. With the addition of Darius Acuff Jr. in this year’s draft, the Kings have acquired an exciting young guard. By pairing him with the likes of De’Andre Hunter and Keegan Murray, Sacramento still has the potential to be competitive.
Needless to say, just having Acuff Jr. on the roster isn’t enough. Hence, rumors have suggested that the Kings have been on the lookout for a backup guard to solidify their backcourt. On that note, NBA insider Jake Fischer revealed three names that are supposedly on Sacramento’s radar. He shared:
“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.”
The Kings’ attempt to pursue Russell Westbrook before he announced his retirement may have been motivated by their intention to have him mentor Darius Acuff Jr. However, since the nine-time All-Star wasn’t in favor of such a role, it is clear the franchise has been forced to pivot.
In many ways, the list of candidates could be considered promising, especially since they all bring veteran experience. But who would be a better fit for the Kings?
Who Is A More Suitable Pickup For The Kings?
The Kings’ trio of candidates for the backup guard role does have some potential. From a former All-Star like Victor Oladipo to a veteran like Cam Payne, who has competed in the NBA Finals, the Kings have some solid options.
For starters, Victor Oladipo has been generating considerable traction lately. Although he was a former All-Star, the veteran guard has not played in the NBA since the 2022-23 season. With injuries keeping him sidelined, it seemed like the 34-year-old’s professional career was over. However, it appears he is angling for an NBA comeback.
On paper, Oladipo could be a promising addition to the Sacramento Kings. As a guard with scoring upside, the veteran could bring offensive stability to the second unit along with solid defense. Given that he averaged 10.7 points, 3.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.4 steals per game in his last NBA campaign, he could prove worthwhile on a low-cost deal.
Cam Payne is also positioned as a solid veteran hire at this stage in his career. Payne has virtually never been a consistent starter with any team he has been on. But given his reputation as a vocal leader on the bench, he has been notable in his role as a backup point guard.
Unlike Oladipo, Payne’s offensive upside is relatively limited. Still, with averages of 7.4 points, 2.0 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.1 steals per game during the 2025-26 season, he is positioned as a high-energy addition who contributes with hustle on both ends of the floor.
Aside from Payne and Oladipo, the Kings are also keeping tabs on Elfrid Payton for the backup point guard role.
Realistically, Payton doesn’t inspire much confidence compared to either of the aforementioned players. Aside from being out of the league since the 2024-25 season, Payton’s rapid decline since the 2021-22 campaign is quite concerning.
With averages of 3.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game, the 32-year-old may still have some upside as a playmaker. Since players like Malik Monk continue to shore up the bench scoring, adding a playmaker to get the rest of the squad going may prove worthwhile. Unfortunately, his inconsistent track record doesn’t present much promise.
All things considered, unless they broaden their search, the Kings’ decision may eventually boil down to Victor Oladipo or Cam Payne. While Oladipo is certainly a more exciting pick for sentimental purposes, if Sacramento chooses to prioritize culture-setting and availability, Cam Payne may be a better choice.
