Philadelphia 76ers guard Cameron Payne (20) drives to the basket past Memphis Grizzlies guard Cam Spencer (24) during the second half at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Following the retirement of Russell Westbrook, the Kings are turning to another veteran guard to fortify their backcourt. Former Philadelphia 76ers and Phoenix Suns guard Cam Payne will be working out with the Kings tomorrow alongside veteran NBA guard Elfrid Payton, according to a report by Jake Fischer.
“The Kings will begin a series of veteran workouts tomorrow by hosting Cam Payne, sources say. We’ve already reported Sacramento’s interest in Victor Oladipo. Another experienced ball handler the Kings are considering, per sources, is Elfrid Payton.”
Elfrid Payton is an experienced point guard entering his 12th season in the league. He was drafted in 2015 with the 14th pick in the NBA draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder. He then played for the Oklahoma City Thunder and their G League affiliate, the Oklahoma City Blue, from 2015 to 2017. Before transitioning to the Chicago Bulls, he also played for the Bulls' G League affiliate, the Windy City Bulls.
He then had a stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers before landing with the Phoenix Suns and becoming a key part of their backcourt rotation. Payne was part of the Phoenix Suns team that made the 2021 NBA Finals, playing 60 regular-season games and averaging 8.4 points, 3.6 assists, and 2.4 rebounds while shooting 48% from the floor, 44% from the three-point range, and 89.3% from the free-throw line.
He then found new importance in the playoffs. Dealing with an injury to Chris Paul late in the playoffs, Payne started two games for the team while averaging 90.3 points, 3.2 assists, and 2.5 rebounds in 19 minutes of play. After leaving the Suns in the 2022-2023 season, he also saw significant playoff minutes with the Philadelphia 76ers and the New York Knicks before returning to the Philadelphia 76ers last season.
He now looks to work his way back onto an NBA roster by filling a void in the Kings' backcourt following Westbrook's free agency and subsequent retirement.