Report: Elfrid Payton Agrees To Camp Deal with Kings

Veteran point guard Elfrid Payton will be reuniting with Scott Perry as he’ll be given a chance to make the roster via training camp.

BY BRENDEN NUNES

Sep 16, 2026, 8:37 AM Updated: 10:23 am

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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - NOVEMBER 25: Elfrid Payton #22 of the New Orleans Pelicans dribbles the bal...

Elfrid Payton #22 of the New Orleans Pelicans dribbles the ball while being guarded by Tyrese Haliburton #0 of the Indiana Pacers in the fourth quarter at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on November 25, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

(Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

The Sacramento Kings are still filling out their roster ahead of the 2026-27 NBA season. Headed into his 10th NBA season, veteran point guard Elfrid Payton will be reuniting with Kings general manager Scott Perry.

According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Kings and Payton have agreed to a deal, and “he’ll have a chance to compete for a roster spot.”

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. pic.twitter.com/1mJDmMayM2

— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) September 16, 2026

Drafted 10th overall out of the University of Louisiana in the 2014 NBA Draft, the 6’3 guard spent three and a half seasons with the Orlando Magic, where Perry was part of the front office.

Perry eventually made his way to the New York Knicks, where Payton also had a brief two-year stop. Now, the two are together for the third time.

Payton is a more traditional, pass-first point guard who has never been known as much of an outside shooter. But he’s able to get into the paint, organize an offense, and create looks for others.

He averaged 6.9 assists per game in just 24 appearances last season, split between New Orleans and Charlotte. For his career, Payton has averaged 9.8 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.0 rebounds per game.

Sacramento’s recent addition of Ben Simmons made many believe the backup point guard position had been filled, but Simmons’ versatility could still allow him to be used in a few different ways. The Kings could look at Simmons as a backup point guard, a defensive forward, a big or some combination of all three depending on lineups.

Payton gives Sacramento another ball-handling option behind rookie lottery selection Darius Acuff entering camp.

There is no guarantee Payton will make the final roster, and Scotto’s reporting made it clear he is coming in to compete for a spot.

With 14 players already on the roster, not including their two two-way deals or Payton’s addition, he will have a chance to compete for the final 15th standard roster spot headed into the season.

NBA teams can bring up to 21 players into training camp, giving Sacramento room to add more competition before finalizing the regular-season roster.