Kings exercise third-year option on Nique Clifford

The Sacramento Kings have exercised the third-year option on Nique Clifford, keeping the young guard under contract through the 2027-28 season.

The option guarantees Clifford’s $3.42 million during the 2027-28 campaign.

Kings Exercise Third-Year Option on Nique Clifford

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— Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings) October 26, 2026

More on Kings G/F Nique Clifford

Nique Clifford made an immediate impact in his first NBA season.

Due to injuries to starters Zach LaVine and Keegan Murray, the then-rookie appeared in 75 games and started 28 in 2025-26, averaging 8.6 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 25.1 minutes per game.

He also totaled 68 steals, ranking sixth among rookies, while his 0.9 steals per game placed him ninth in that group.

The Kings selected Clifford with the 24th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft after trading up with Oklahoma City. Sacramento sent the Thunder a 2027 first-round pick originally acquired from San Antonio.

The pick is top-16 protected. If it lands in that range, the Kings keep it and send Oklahoma City two second-round picks instead.

Picking up the option gives Sacramento more time to evaluate Clifford’s place in a crowded backcourt, one that could look much different in the months ahead as Perry looks to build around star rookie Darius Acuff Jr.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 08: Nique Clifford #10 of the Sacramento Kings dribbles the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers in a preseason game at Crypto.com Arena on October 08, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)

LaVine is currently positioned to handle much of the shooting guard workload, while Daeqwon Plowden and Emanuel Sharp have earned roles,  leaving Clifford on the edge of the rotation. Still, his rookie season offered the Kings a useful combination of defensive activity, playmaking and versatility.

The option exercise signals that Sacramento sees enough potential in Nique Clifford to keep his development runway longer.

He’s already on the verge of turning 25, but things can change fast for this roster, meaning the second-year wing could quickly find himself back in Doug Christie’s rotation.

More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports

• Kings Injury Updates: Raynaud, Cardwell, and Murray
• Darius Acuff Jr. sets NBA record for shot attempts in first three games
• Matt George on the Kings’ rough start: ‘Trading 3’s for 2’s” isn’t working’
• Sam Amick on Doug Christie’s job security & Zach LaVine’s trade value

Sacramento Kings 2026-27 Regular Season Schedule

• Tuesday, October 27th @ San Antonio Spurs (5:00 P.M. PT)
• Thursday, October 29th @ New Orleans Pelicans (5:00 P.M. PT)
• Saturday, October 31st @ Memphis Grizzlies (5:00 P.M. PT)
• Monday, November 2nd @ Dallas Mavericks (5:00 P.M. PT)
• Wednesday, November 4th vs. Los Angeles Lakers (7:00 P.M. PT)

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