Report: Kings ‘content waiting to see’ who falls to 7th

The Sacramento Kings have been linked to Arkansas star Darius Acuff Jr. for months, but with the 2026 NBA Draft set to begin Tuesday night, recent reports suggest the organization may not be as aggressive in moving up the board as many around the league had anticipated.

Speculation has persisted throughout the pre-draft process that the Sacramento Kings could attempt to trade up from seventh to either the Los Angeles Clippers (fifth overall pick) or the Brooklyn Nets (sixth overall pick) to guarantee themselves the opportunity to select Acuff.

Instead, ESPN’s NBA Draft analyst Jeremy Woo reported Monday that Sacramento appears willing to stay patient and see how the board unfolds.

Sources say there is a strong mutual interest between Acuff and Sacramento, the question simply being whether he makes it to the Kings’ pick. They appear content to wait and see. They have looked closely at the other guards in this range and have not seemed itchy to move up the board.

ESPN’s NBA Draft analyst Jeremy Woo | June 22, 2026

Woo added that Acuff is receiving consideration from both the Clippers and the Nets, but much of the league buzz points to him ultimately landing at his preferred destination.

That destination has long been believed to be Sacramento.

More on Darius Acuff Jr.

Darius Acuff Jr. has been connected to the Sacramento Kings since the conclusion of March Madness and recently visited Sacramento for a private workout.

The relationship between the two sides extends beyond the pre-draft process. Kings general manager Scott Perry previously coached Acuff’s father, Darius Acuff Sr., at Eastern Kentucky in the 1990s.

The 6-foot-2 guard is coming off a remarkable freshman season at Arkansas, averaging 23.5 points and 6.4 assists while shooting 44 percent from three-point range.

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – MARCH 13: Darius Acuff Jr. #5 of the Arkansas Razorbacks looks on during the first half against the Oklahoma Sooners in the quarterfinal game of the 2026 SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 13, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images)

His standout campaign earned him SEC Player of the Year, SEC Rookie of the Year, and Consensus All-American honors, making him one of the most decorated prospects available.

Recent developments elsewhere in the lottery could also work in Sacramento’s favor.

According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, Illinois guard Keaton Wagler and Louisville guard Mikel Brown Jr. are now widely projected to go fifth and sixth, in some order, after both prospects canceled scheduled workouts with Sacramento late last week.

If those projections hold true, the Sacramento Kings may not have to surrender assets to move up at all.

Instead, they could remain at 7th and still land the point guard many view as the franchise’s long-term answer at the position.

More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports

What is the next Sacramento Kings Offseason Event?

The Sacramento Kings are preparing for a crucial 2026 NBA Draft, which is set to take place from Tuesday, June 23rd, through Wednesday, June 24th.

Sacramento owns the 7th pick in the Draft, giving them a chance at selecting a talented player with upside, such as Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr., Louisville guard Mikel Brown Jr., Houston’s Kingston Flemings, and Illinois guard Keaton Wagler, among others.

Be sure to stay locked into Sactown Sports for pre-draft workout news, player breakdowns, draft rumors, and MUCH more.

Upcoming Sacramento Kings & NBA Offseason Schedule

• Tuesday, June 23rd – NBA Draft (Round 1)
• Wednesday, June 24th – NBA Draft (Round 2)
• Tuesday, June 30th – NBA Free Agency negotiation period begins (3 PM PT)
• Saturday, July 4th – Monday, July 6th – California Classic at Golden 1 Center
• Thursday, July 9th – NBA Las Vegas Summer League begins
• Monday, July 13th – Free Agency moratorium ends / signings can become official

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