Last month, it was reported that the Sacramento Kings were working out veteran guard Elfrid Payton. On Wednesday, the Kings showed they must have liked what they saw because Sacramento reportedly signed him.
The Sacramento Kings and Elfrid Payton have agreed to a deal, Senior VP of @CSETalent Darrell Comer told @hoopshype. He’ll compete for a roster spot. Kings GM Scott Perry and Payton were together with the Magic and Knicks. He’s averaged 9.8 points and 5.8 assists in nine seasons. https://t.co/1mJDmMayM2
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) September 16, 2026
Now 32 years old, Payton last played in the NBA during the 2024-25 season, when he appeared for both the Charlotte Hornets and New Orleans Pelicans. The 6’3” point guard averaged 6.9 assists, 3.5 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1 steal while playing 21 minutes per game. Payton shot 32% from the field and 16% from beyond the arc. His career averages are 9.8 points, 5.8 assists, 4 rebounds, 1.2 steals, 44% from the field, and 28% from three.
This comes after Sacramento signed Ben Simmons earlier this month.
I guess this is ok.
Continuous search for “washed up” vets Sometimes, get a diamond. I suppose it makes sense to snatch these guys up early
Acuff can take every shot he can get up and should have no problem being the best shooting PG on the team.
Some teams have a Batman, some have a Robin. We have an Elfrid.
Vivek is trying to see if he will get his Pennysworth.
It’s always cast-off veteran season down on David Stern way.
Just signed 2 players to contracts that will probably be their last NBA contracts. Same shit, different year.
But… I thought… Ben Simmons was the washed up veteran on a cheap deal trying to make a comeback for the upcoming season. Now there’s…two? Neither of which I’d trust to run the offense if Acuff were unavailable. So, just.. why?
I swear I read this in the character’s voice and it made me choke on my soda.
What’s the point of this after signing Simmons? Vivek trying to prove that him picking Stauskas was a conspiracy setup my ESPN?
Welcome to Sacramento, where the most exciting thing happening is the fierce competition for the 14th spot on the roster between two completely washed up 30+ year old veterans.
I just can’t wait for the season to start….
I both can and cannot believe he tried to make it look like that wasn’t him.
At least the majority owner’s daughter hasn’t been in the news this offseason…progress?
I think he was #2 on Vivek’s list in the Steak Sauce draft. (see draft day video)
Six pillars demonstrated. Stamp of approval given.
Meh, it’s a camp invite Exhibit 9 with no guaranteed money. It’s just a “kick the tires” deal and likely just insurance in case Simmons is a head case when he arrives in camp. Should the Kings decide to keep Payton, his deal doesn’t become fully guaranteed until January. Also, since it’s not an Exhibit 10 deal, so Payton has no monetary incentive to sign with the Stockton Kings in case he is waived. Players receive a bonus for sticking with the parent team’s G-leauge squad if cut from their Exhibit 10 camp invite.
It also might apply a bit of pressure to Simmons, who is also on a partial guarantee. Ben gets just $1m if he makes the opening night roster and isn’t fully guaranteed until later in the season. Ben is NOT on an Exhibit contract.
In the end, I’d be shocked if Payton made the final roster with the last roster spot. I imagine Perry is going to keep that spot open for possible moves come in season.
All this tells me is that Acuff is going to be all gas and no brakes on offense while hoping that vets can fill the defensive role. I guess you see with Harden and Curry the idea that a guy doesn’t have to be a good defender if they’re elite offensively. I hope he’d take one out of the Fox/Shai playbook and start steal hunting though.
I think Acuff is going to struggle offensively. And he is going to be a bad defender. Not confident in him being the “franchise” guy.
Badge Legend