Sacramento Kings News

WESTERN PACIFIC

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.

5 days ago

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

Domantas Sabonis • C • Kings

Kings Urged to Keep Domantas Sabonis

Sacramento Kings forward/center Domantas Sabonis should not be traded just to accelerate a rebuild, former Kings coach and executive Jerry Reynolds told Frankie Cartoscelli of Sactown Sports. Reynolds' point is that Sacramento still needs productive veterans, either to anchor a competitive roster or to hold real trade value later. Sabonis, 30, is a three-time All-Star and one of the league's best rebounding and passing bigs, but a torn left meniscus limited him to 19 games last season. He averaged 15.8 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists before surgery. When healthy, Sabonis remains an early-round fantasy center because of his scoring, boards, assists, and efficiency, though the knee recovery and Sacramento's uncertain direction keep risk attached.

Aug 2

Zach LaVine • SG • Kings

Kings May Showcase Zach LaVine

Sacramento Kings guard/forward Zach LaVine should remain a featured part of the offense rather than ceding minutes to younger players like Nique Clifford and Emanuel Sharp, former Kings coach and executive Jerry Reynolds told Frankie Cartoscelli of Sactown Sports. Reynolds' logic is that strong production could rebuild LaVine's trade value before the deadline, while his $49 million expiring deal can simply come off the books after the season. LaVine, 31, exercised that player option after right-hand surgery ended his 2025-26 campaign at 19.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 39.0 percent from three across 39 games. For fantasy, a showcase role would protect his points-and-threes appeal, though the injury recovery, youth movement, and possible trade keep some risk attached.

Aug 2

De'Andre Hunter • SF • Kings

De'Andre Hunter Eyes Kings Starting Spot

Sacramento Kings forward De'Andre Hunter is expected to claim the final starting spot over Maxime Raynaud, per Kings beat writer Chris Watkins. That would round out a projected five of Darius Acuff Jr., Zach LaVine, Hunter, Keegan Murray, and Domantas Sabonis, giving Sacramento more perimeter defense and spacing than a two-big look with Raynaud. Hunter, 28, arrived from Cleveland at the deadline and finished last season averaging 13.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.7 threes across 45 games. His low defensive stats and limited playmaking cap the fantasy ceiling, so even with a starting role, he profiles more as a points-and-threes streamer than a stable standard-league option.

Aug 1

Darius Acuff Jr. • PG • Kings

Darius Acuff Jr. Could Start for Kings

According to beat writer Chris Watkins, Sacramento Kings guard Darius Acuff Jr. is expected to open the season as the starting point guard. That would put the No. 7 pick in a first unit with Zach LaVine, De'Andre Hunter, Keegan Murray, and Domantas Sabonis while pushing Malik Monk toward a bench scoring role. Acuff, 19, showed shot-creation juice in Summer League, averaging 20.8 points and 4.6 assists, but he shot just 27.8 percent from three and committed 3.8 turnovers per game. A starting job would boost his redraft case for points, assists, and steals, though shaky efficiency and turnovers could drag down his nine-category value. He remains more appealing as a dynasty piece than a safe redraft target.

Aug 1

Zach LaVine • SG • Kings

Zach LaVine Could Seek Midseason Buyout

Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine is viewed by NBA insider Evan Sidery as a likely midseason buyout candidate if the rebuilding Kings start slowly. LaVine's $49 million expiring contract still carries negative trade value, making a release the cleaner path to a contender if Sacramento decides to move on. There have been no active buyout talks, but Sidery notes LaVine and Klutch Sports could eventually push for one. The two-time All-Star averaged 19.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 39 games last season before right hand surgery ended his year. For fantasy, LaVine still offers points and threes when healthy, but managers need a signing and a defined role before treating him as more than a wait-and-see scorer.

Jul 29

Darius Acuff Jr. • PG • Kings

Darius Acuff Jr. Downplays Star Comparisons

Sacramento Kings guard Darius Acuff Jr. brushed off comparisons to Allen Iverson and Jalen Brunson in an exclusive with Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, saying he wants to "write my own story and my own greatness." The No. 7 pick arrives after a historic Arkansas freshman season, where he swept SEC Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year honors while averaging 23.5 points, 6.4 assists, and 3.1 rebounds. A 6-3 guard in the Calipari mold, Acuff has scoring and playmaking upside that make him a strong dynasty buy. Redraft managers should temper early expectations, with Zach LaVine and Malik Monk in the Sacramento backcourt.

Jul 25

Alex Karaban • PF • Kings

Alex Karaban Logs 35 Minutes in Kings Summer League Win

Sacramento Kings forward Alex Karaban finished Friday's 92-90 Summer League win over Charlotte with 14 points, three assists and two rebounds across 35 minutes. The No. 29 pick, acquired from Cleveland in a draft-night deal, followed Wednesday's 21-point, five-three outing with another heavy-minute role, though he cooled off from deep at 2-for-8. Karaban missed the California Classic with a sprained right ankle and opened Vegas slowly, so the last two games are more encouraging than the uneven shooting line suggests. His fantasy path still leans on three-point volume, low-mistake passing, and whether Sacramento can carve out wing minutes behind its established forwards.

Jul 18

Emanuel Sharp • SG • Kings

Emanuel Sharp Paces Sacramento in Win Over Charlotte

Sacramento Kings guard Emanuel Sharp led six players in double figures with 16 points in Friday's 92-90 Summer League win over the Hornets, connecting on 4-for-9 from three while adding three steals, three assists, two rebounds, and one block over 30 minutes. The Houston product has been Sacramento's steadiest summer performer, pairing his shooting with disruptive perimeter defense that produced three or more steals in several outings. The No. 45 pick fits a specific need as a 3-and-D guard who can play off-ball next to lottery pick Darius Acuff Jr. His scoring efficiency has wavered in Vegas, so the defense and the outside stroke will be what earn a second-round rookie a foothold in the rotation.

Jul 18

Darius Acuff Jr. • PG • Kings

Darius Acuff Jr. Leads All Scorers With 26 Points

Sacramento Kings guard Darius Acuff Jr. produced 26 points on 9-for-18 shooting, 2-for-6 from three, and 4-for-6 at the line, adding five assists, one steal, and one block in 26 minutes during Tuesday's 115-83 Las Vegas Summer League loss to the Nets. The former Razorback led all scorers and finally found his stroke after a 4-for-14 clunker in his previous outing. Emanuel Sharp backed him with 23 points, but nobody else on the roster kept pace in a 32-point rout. The one blemish: Acuff committed five turnovers, matching his assist total. Sacramento's veterans will lift some of that creation burden once the season starts, and if he trims the giveaways, the scoring volume makes him one of the more appealing rookies in this class.

Jul 15

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