The Case for Free Agent Cameron Payne To Get an Offer From the Kings
The Sacramento Kings have had a 2023 off-season filled with unexpected moves and could be looking at one more. After waiving C Nerlens Noel and C Neemias Queta, the Kings have a 14-man roster with room for one more.
While the Kings can head into the season with 14 players for some roster flexibility, they can bring up to 21 players in for training camp, so it is likely to see some Sacramento signings in the next few weeks.
Kings fans have noticed one hole on the Kings roster: the lack of a third-string point guard. If Sacramento decides to address this need before the season starts, there is one free agent that stands out from the rest.
Former Phoenix Suns G Cameron Payne could be the best option for the Kings and is certainly worth looking into for GM Monte McNair.
Payne, 29, is an eight-year NBA veteran who has spent the last four seasons in Phoenix. The Suns dealt Payne to the San Antonio Spurs this off-season, who would waive him just two months later.
Payne has consistently been a valuable backup point guard throughout his career, as he averaged 10.3 points and 4.5 assists per game off the bench for the Suns last season.
The 6'1" guard makes the most of his time on the court with impressive efficiency. In his four years in Phoenix, Payne shot 43% from the field and 38% from deep.
While Payne is an NBA-average defender, his versatility on offense makes him a threat off the bench.
Payne is coming off a contract with Phoenix averaging $6.3 million per year, and the Kings would not be able to give him that type of deal. If Payne is willing to take a pay cut to join a contending Kings squad, then Sacramento would be an ideal new home for him.
A backup guard unit consisting of Payne, Davion Mitchell, Malik Monk, and Chris Duarte would give Sacramento elite guard depth as they play behind De'Aaron Fox and Kevin Huerter. A guard-oriented bench unit would add firepower to the Kings' electric offense.
Follow Inside The Kings on Facebook and X.
Subscribe on YouTube for breaking Kings news videos and live-stream podcasts!
