Sacramento Kings head coach Doug Christie yells out to players during the first half against the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center.
Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
Veteran guard Ben Simmons was attempting a comeback this year after signing with the Sacramento Kings in the offseason. Unfortunately, he suffered a season-ending Achilles tear and will be unavailable for the team's rotation. With the season opener quickly approaching, rumors suggest the front office is seeking a trade with the Memphis Grizzlies to address the backcourt.
It's said that the Grizzlies are seeking a trade partner for Walter Clayton Jr., according to NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer. Rumors suggest that Memphis wants to make a deal before the 5 p.m. EST roster cutdown deadline, and that the Kings are a potential landing spot for the 23-year-old guard.
“The Grizzlies are actively trying to find a new home via trade for Walter Clayton Jr. before today's 5 PM ET roster cutdown deadline, league sources tell Jake Fischer and me,” Stein reported. “With Sacramento emerging as a possible destination.”
Clayton is a former first-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. He appeared in 69 games last season, 45 with the Utah Jazz and 24 with the Memphis Grizzlies. The 23-year-old flashed potential after averaging 7.8 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per contest while shooting 38.4% from the field and 30.7% from beyond the three-point line.
With Ben Simmons out for the season, the Kings are shorthanded at point guard. Rookie Daris Acuff Jr. is set to be the starter. However, the only other guards on the roster who will be featured in the rotation are Zach LaVine, Malik Monk, and Nique Clifford. However, those three typically play shooting guard. Only time will tell if Sacramento addresses the backup point guard role before the start of the season.