The Sacramento Kings picked up a veteran point guard who is seeking a return to the NBA when they signed Ben Simmons last week.
They brought in another one Wednesday with the addition of Elfrid Payton.
League sources told The Sacramento Bee the Kings have agreed to a deal with Payton, as first reported by HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto. Sources said Payton’s contract is a training camp deal.
The signing of Payton, 32, comes eight days after the Kings signed Simmons, 30, to a nonguaranteed one-year deal worth up to $3.5 million. Both players will compete for roster spots in training camp as the Kings try to find a backup to rookie point guard Darius Acuff Jr.
Payton came out of Louisiana as the 10th overall pick in the 2014 NBA draft. He has spent nine seasons in the NBA with the Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, New Orleans Pelicans, New York Knicks and Charlotte Hornets, averaging 9.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 1.2 steals. He last played for the Pelicans in 2024-25.
Payton has history with Kings general manager Scott Perry. They were together when Perry served as assistant general manager of the Magic and general manager of the Knicks.
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Jason Anderson has been the Sacramento Kings beat writer for The Sacramento Bee since 2018. He is a Sacramento native who is proud to provide coverage that is as passionate and dedicated as the loyal Kings fan base.