Sacramento Kings News

WESTERN PACIFIC

Ben Simmons • PG • Kings

Ben Simmons Out for the Season with Torn Achilles

Sacramento Kings guard/forward Ben Simmons (Achilles) will miss the 2026-27 season after an MRI confirmed a torn right Achilles tendon, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. Simmons suffered the injury during a live drill at Sunday's practice and will undergo surgery. The 30-year-old was preparing to return after sitting out all of last season and averaged 10.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in two preseason appearances. Darius Acuff Jr. should take on more playmaking responsibility with Simmons out, while De'Andre Hunter, Precious Achiuwa, and Nique Clifford could all be in the mix for the open starting spot. Sacramento hasn't tipped its hand yet, so that battle is worth watching heading into Wednesday.

Yesterday

Domantas Sabonis • C • Kings

Domantas Sabonis Logs 30 Minutes in Preseason Finale

Sacramento Kings forward/center Domantas Sabonis recorded 14 points and 10 rebounds in 30 minutes during Friday's 126-97 preseason loss to the San Antonio Spurs. He shot 4-for-9 from the field and 5-for-10 at the line while committing five turnovers. The workload was the bigger takeaway after Sabonis played only 19 games last season before undergoing surgery on a torn left meniscus. With Maxime Raynaud (knee) and Dylan Cardwell (calf) sidelined to begin the season, Sabonis should get plenty of work inside, while Precious Achiuwa looks set to handle most of the backup center minutes.

2 days ago

Ben Simmons • PG • Kings

Ben Simmons Fills the Box Score in Preseason Finale

Sacramento Kings guard Ben Simmons finished with 14 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, and one steal in 26 minutes during Friday's 126-97 preseason loss to the San Antonio Spurs. He shot 5-for-9 from the field and 4-for-4 at the line in just his second exhibition appearance after sitting out all of last season. Simmons started alongside rookie Darius Acuff Jr. and is expected to remain in the first unit for Wednesday's opener against the Clippers. If Simmons keeps getting this kind of run, the assists and rebounds should be useful. The bigger question is whether he can stay healthy enough to hold the role.

2 days ago

Dylan Cardwell • C • Kings

Dylan Cardwell Sidelined at Least Two Weeks

Sacramento Kings forward/center Dylan Cardwell (calf) will miss at least two weeks with a left calf strain, ESPN's Anthony Slater reports. The second-year big man developed soreness after the Oct. 8 preseason game against the Lakers, and imaging confirmed the injury. With Maxime Raynaud (knee) also sidelined, Sacramento will be short on center depth for its Oct. 21 opener against the Clippers. Cardwell averaged 5.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks in 20.6 minutes across 44 games as a rookie. Domantas Sabonis should soak up most of the center minutes early, while Precious Achiuwa figures to see more time up front and could help on the boards in the short term.

6 days ago

Ben Simmons • PG • Kings

Ben Simmons Expected to Begin 2026-27 Season as Starter

Sacramento Kings point guard Ben Simmons is expected to start for the team in 2026-27, according to ESPN's Marc Spears. Simmons started Saturday's preseason game against the Golden State Warriors, playing eight minutes and scoring seven points. Spears said that "Simmons is expected to remain in the starting lineup alongside rookie guard Darius Acuff for the Oct. 21 season opener against the Los Angeles Clippers." The former first-overall pick last suited up with the Clippers in April 2025 and averaged 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists in 2024-25. With Simmons expected to start at the outset of the season, he offers great value in the late rounds as an all-around option. While his health and scoring are concerns, fantasy managers should keep an eye on Simmons in the late rounds this season.

7 days ago

Maxime Raynaud • C • Kings

Maxime Raynaud to be Re-Evaluated in Two Weeks

Sacramento Kings center Maxime Raynaud (knee) suffered a right patellar subluxation and will be re-evaluated in approximately two weeks, according to HoopsHype's Michael Scotto. The 23-year-old is expected to miss the start of the regular season, with Sacramento opening Oct. 21 against the Clippers. Raynaud earned All-Rookie Second Team honors after averaging 12.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.4 assists on 57.1% shooting last season. His absence leaves more backup center minutes available for Precious Achiuwa and Dylan Cardwell behind Domantas Sabonis.

Oct 11

Maxime Raynaud • C • Kings

Maxime Raynaud Exits in a Wheelchair with Right Knee Injury

Sacramento Kings center Maxime Raynaud (knee) was wheeled off the floor after injuring his right knee in Saturday's 111-106 preseason loss to Golden State. The 23-year-old appeared to collide knee-to-knee with Stephen Curry while setting a screen, and head coach Doug Christie declined to speculate on the severity before medical testing. Raynaud later left the arena on crutches and was headed for an MRI. He averaged 12.5 points and 7.5 rebounds across 74 games as a rookie. If he misses time, Dylan Cardwell and Precious Achiuwa could pick up more frontcourt minutes behind Domantas Sabonis.

Oct 11

Darius Acuff Jr. • PG • Kings

Darius Acuff Jr. Scores 19 Points in Kings Preseason Debut

Sacramento Kings guard Darius Acuff Jr. scored 19 points in Monday's 127-103 preseason loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, adding two rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one block in 27 minutes. The No. 7 overall pick shot 8-for-17 from the field and 1-for-4 from three while scoring 17 points before halftime. It was an encouraging response after Acuff shot just 35.0 percent during Summer League. Zach LaVine played only 15 minutes, giving the rookie extended time to run the offense. If Acuff holds a sizable point-guard role, his scoring and assist production could make him useful quickly.

Oct 6

Ben Simmons • PG • Kings

Ben Simmons Nears Preseason Debut for Kings

Sacramento Kings guard Ben Simmons is expected to make his preseason debut Thursday against the Lakers or Saturday against Golden State, according to Andscape's Marc J. Spears. Simmons is healthy and has had one of Sacramento's strongest training camps, but the Kings are taking a cautious approach after he missed all of last season while rehabbing back and leg issues. The 30-year-old averaged 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists across 51 games in 2024-25. Sacramento brought him in to provide veteran playmaking behind rookie Darius Acuff Jr., and Simmons could offer some assists and rebounds if he earns steady second-unit minutes.

Oct 5

Domantas Sabonis • C • Kings

Domantas Sabonis Remains a Kings Trade Candidate

Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis may need to rebuild his trade value with a strong start to the season, according to ABC10's Matt George, who noted that general manager Scott Perry has been reluctant to attach draft picks to move veteran contracts. Sabonis appeared in only 19 games last season before undergoing surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee, averaging 15.8 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists. The three-time All-Star is expected to be ready for training camp and should reclaim a sizable role if healthy. His return could cut into the opportunities of Maxime Raynaud, who averaged 12.5 points and 7.5 rebounds while making 56 starts as a rookie.

Sep 23

Zach LaVine • SG • Kings

Zach LaVine Eyes Bounce-Back Season with Kings

Sacramento Kings guard/forward Zach LaVine (hand) is looking for a bounce-back season after undergoing surgery on his right pinky finger in February. LaVine told Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints that his standards remain "extremely high" while acknowledging that his exact role is still taking shape. The 31-year-old averaged 19.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists across 39 games last season while shooting 39.0 percent from three. No. 7 pick Darius Acuff Jr. adds another ballhandler to Sacramento's mix, so LaVine's usage is worth watching in camp. His scoring and efficiency should remain useful if he keeps a prominent offensive role.

Sep 21

Elfrid Payton • PG • Kings

Elfrid Payton Agrees to Deal with Kings

Free-agent guard Elfrid Payton has agreed to a deal with the Sacramento Kings and will compete for a roster spot, HoopsHype's Michael Scotto reports. The 32-year-old reunites with general manager Scott Perry after previous stops together in Orlando and New York. Payton last played in 2024-25, averaging 3.5 points and 6.9 assists across 24 games with New Orleans and Charlotte. His path to minutes is narrow with rookie Darius Acuff Jr. and Ben Simmons ahead in the ball-handling mix, while Sacramento could carry only 14 players to preserve luxury-tax flexibility. Even if Payton makes the team, his fantasy outlook remains limited.

Sep 17

Ben Simmons • PG • Kings

Ben Simmons' Kings Contract is Non-Guaranteed

Sacramento Kings guard/forward Ben Simmons officially signed his one-year deal, but the structure makes this a camp audition more than a rotation promise. HoopsHype's Michael Scotto reports that the contract is non-guaranteed and worth up to $3.5 million, with Simmons earning $1 million if he makes the opening-night roster on Oct. 21 against the Clippers. That adds needed context after Sacramento first agreed to terms with the 30-year-old three-time All-Star last week. Simmons is attempting an NBA comeback after sitting out 2025-26, and Russell Westbrook's retirement left Sacramento with a veteran playmaking void behind rookie Darius Acuff Jr. Malik Monk still has a steadier path to backup creation, while Nique Clifford and Emanuel Sharp are also in the young guard/wing mix. Simmons is worth monitoring in camp, but his fantasy value starts with proving he has a roster spot and real minutes.

Sep 9

Darius Acuff Jr. • PG • Kings

Darius Acuff Jr. Draws Top Rookie Billing Ahead of Camp

Sacramento Kings guard Darius Acuff Jr. could finish as the top fantasy rookie from the 2026 class after landing with the Kings at No. 7, ESPN's Eric Moody writes. The 19-year-old averaged 23.5 points, 6.4 assists, and 3.1 rebounds as an Arkansas freshman, sweeping SEC Player and Rookie of the Year honors. Sacramento's veteran exits help clear the runway after DeMar DeRozan was waived and Russell Westbrook retired, while Domantas Sabonis has been reported as a trade candidate with the Kings uninterested in an extension. Summer League offered a warning, though, as Acuff averaged 20.8 points across five games while shooting 35.0 percent from the field and 27.8 percent from deep. Zach LaVine and Malik Monk still carry scoring volume, so Acuff's assists and usage may arrive before the efficiency does.

Sep 8

Zach LaVine • SG • Kings

Zach LaVine Optimistic About Kings' Season

Sacramento Kings guard/forward Zach LaVine said his offseason is going well and that he is excited about the team's younger group, according to Logan Struck of Sports Illustrated. LaVine also touched on his leadership role, saying he already texted rookie guard Darius Acuff Jr. and plans to connect with more of Sacramento's young players closer to camp. The two-time All-Star picked up his $49 million player option this summer after hand surgery ended his season at 39 games. LaVine averaged 19.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists while shooting 47.9 percent from the field and 39.0 percent from three. He should have scoring volume if healthy, but Acuff's arrival and Domantas Sabonis' playmaking keep LaVine more valuable for points and threes than assists.

Sep 6

Ben Simmons • PG • Kings

Ben Simmons Open to Long-Term Stay in Sacramento

Sacramento Kings guard/forward Ben Simmons could be open to staying beyond his one-year deal if the fit works, ESPN's Marc J. Spears told Sactown Sports 1140. Spears described Simmons as a loyal player and said, "I think he'd want to stay" if both sides are happy after this season. Simmons agreed to a one-year, $3.5 million contract Friday after sitting out all of 2025-26 while working back from chronic back issues. He last played in 2024-25, averaging 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 0.7 steals in 22.0 minutes across 51 games with Brooklyn and the Clippers. His fantasy value depends on whether Doug Christie gives him real second-unit ball-handling work behind Darius Acuff Jr. The assists, rebounds, and steals still help, but the absent jumper and year away keep the risk high.

Sep 6

Ben Simmons • PG • Kings

Ben Simmons Agrees to One-Year Deal with Kings

Free-agent guard/forward Ben Simmons agreed to a one-year, $3.5 million deal with the Sacramento Kings, his agents told ESPN's Shams Charania and Marc J. Spears. The 2018 Rookie of the Year is back after sitting out all of 2025-26 and last played in 2024-25, when he averaged 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 0.7 steals in 22.0 minutes across 51 games with Brooklyn and the Clippers. Sacramento had been looking for veteran ball-handling depth behind rookie Darius Acuff Jr., with general manager Scott Perry attending a Florida workout before the deal came together. Simmons still does not offer shooting, so his fantasy case depends on assists, steals, rebounds, and whether he can hold a real second-unit role. Malik Monk is worth tracking if Simmons cuts into backup playmaking reps.

Sep 4

Domantas Sabonis • C • Kings

Domantas Sabonis Emerges as Prime Trade Candidate in Sacramento

ESPN's Brian Windhorst and Anthony Slater report that the Sacramento Kings are not interested in extending forward/center Domantas Sabonis, leaving him positioned as a prime trade candidate. Sabonis has two fully guaranteed years and $94 million left on his deal, including $45.4 million this season and $48.6 million next season, which makes finding a trade partner the hard part. The three-time All-Star played only 19 games last season before left meniscus surgery, averaging 15.8 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists. Drafting Domantas Sabonis means buying elite rebounding with health and trade noise attached. Maxime Raynaud would be the main fantasy name to watch if Sacramento moves him, though Dylan Cardwell also remains in the backup-center mix.

Sep 3

Maxime Raynaud • C • Kings

Maxime Raynaud Delivers 13 Points in France's Win Over Sweden

Sacramento Kings center Maxime Raynaud scored 13 points on 6-for-7 shooting in France's 84-69 win over Sweden on Sunday in Group L of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 European Qualifiers. The second-year big matched Victor Wembanyama's efficiency from the field, with the San Antonio Spurs star finishing with 18 points, eight rebounds, and three blocks as France moved to 7-1 atop the group. Rudy Gobert was unavailable, giving Raynaud a bigger frontcourt role, while Miami Heat guard Pelle Larsson led Sweden with 23 points. Raynaud averaged 12.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.4 assists as a rookie and enters his second Kings season penciled in behind Domantas Sabonis. The efficient summer minutes strengthen his fallback case if Sabonis misses time again, but Raynaud's fantasy value still depends on a clearer path to starts.

Aug 31

Domantas Sabonis • C • Kings

Domantas Sabonis Ready to Recommit After Trade Talks Stall

Sacramento Kings forward/center Domantas Sabonis is ready to recommit to the team after months of trade talks failed to produce a deal, per Anthony Slater of ESPN. Sacramento nearly moved Sabonis to Toronto at the deadline and later explored a Jalen Duren sign-and-trade with Detroit, but nothing materialized. Sabonis has since met with general manager Scott Perry and shown a willingness to embrace a roster now featuring rookie guard Darius Acuff Jr. The 30-year-old remains a high-end fantasy center when healthy, averaging 15.8 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists last season before left meniscus surgery. The knee recovery is the main concern, but if Sabonis enters camp healthy, his rebounding, assists, and efficiency should keep him in the early-round mix.

Aug 5

Sacramento Kings News

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