Sacramento Kings Part Ways With Former NBA 1st-Round Pick
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Sacramento Kings Part Ways With Former NBA 1st-Round Pick
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 08: Elfrid Payton #3 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) Getty
Juan Paolo David·HEAVY
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4 min read
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 08: Elfrid Payton #3 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) Getty
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 28: Ben Simmons #25 of the Sacramento Kings poses for a picture during the Kings Media Day at Sacramento Kings Practice Facility on September 28, 2026 in Sacramento, 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) Getty
On Sunday, the Sacramento Kings announced that they were parting ways with three players: Viktor Lakhin, Tristen Newton and Elfrid Payton.
Payton, who signed an Exhibit 9 contract last month, is the biggest name among the three players released. He's a former first-round pick by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2014, but he had his best years with the Orlando Magic.
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According to HoopsRumors, Payton's future with the Kings is unclear since his contract wasn't an Exhibit 10.
Lakhin and Newton, on the other hand, are eligible for a $91,000 bonus if they spend at least 60 days with the Stockton Kings in the NBA G League.
Elfrid Payton's NBA Career
GettyElfrid Payton #3 of the Sacramento Kings dribbles the ball against theLos Angeles Lakersin a preseason game at Crypto.com Arena on October 08, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
After three seasons at Louisiana, Elfrid Payton declared for the 2014 NBA draft. The Philadelphia 76ers selected him 10th overall, but he was traded to the Orlando Magic in exchange forDario Saric, a future first-round pick and a future second-round pick.
In Orlando, Payton carved out a starting role for the majority of his time there. Heaveraged11.1 points, 4.2 rebounds, 6.4 assists and 1.4 steals in 281 games for the Magic.
Payton last played in the NBA during the 2024-25 season. He spent all of last season with the AustinSpursin the G League. He hascareer averagesof 9.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 1.2 steals in 524 games.
Kings Roster for 2026-27 Season
GettyBen Simmons #25 of the Sacramento Kings poses for a picture during the Kings Media Day at Sacramento Kings Practice Facility on September 28, 2026 in Sacramento, California.
Following the release of Elfrid Payton, Viktor Lakhin and Tristen Newton, the Sacramento Kings have 17 players on their roster for the 2026-27 NBA season.
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The Kings have 14 players on standard contracts, one of which is partially guaranteed, and three players on two-way deals. They have an open roster spot to start the campaign.
