The Sacramento Kings reportedly had interest in retaining Russell Westbrook, who has now retired. Looking to pivot, NBA insider Jake Fischer reports that the Kings will start looking into a handful of experienced guards, and one name under consideration is Cam Payne. Milwaukee Bucks fans will remember the guard from his brief time with the team during the 2023-24 season.
The Kings will begin a series of veteran workouts tomorrow by hosting Cam Payne, sources say. We’ve already reported Sacramento’s interest in Victor Oladipo. Another experienced ball handler the Kings are considering, per sources, is Elfrid Payton.
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) August 20, 2026
Cam Payne's NBA dreams aren't dead yet
After a successful four-season stint with the Phoenix Suns, Payne has spent the last several seasons cementing himself as a journeyman. He has been employed by the Milwaukee Bucks, Philadelphia 76ers, New York Knicks, and 76ers again. Now, he's looking to take his talents to another new squad in a Pacific Division reunion in Sacramento.
Over the last three seasons with these various teams, Payne has proven that he can be a solid depth piece. He's never been a highly productive player, but with all of his experience, the guard is always on his toes and ready to pop off when called upon, such as when he had 32 points and 10 assists in the 76ers' 139-129 win over the Memphis Grizzlies last season.
In Sacramento, Payne's role would likely revolve around being a mentor to rookie Darius Acuff Jr. While he might not have the accolades of Westbrook, whom the Kings likely would have loved to teach their franchise centerpiece, Payne can do a solid job himself. He's been in this league for a long time and knows a thing or two.
Cam Payne's time with Bucks was short
Payne was a blink and you miss it Buck. After the shocking Damian Lillard blockbuster acquisition, Milwaukee needed a backup point guard, and Payne was the best available option. Signing him after one of his most productive seasons felt like a major win for the franchise, but the move never panned out like the Bucks had hoped, much like the Lillard era as a whole.
The guard didn't even last a full season with the team, having been traded at the deadline in a deal for Patrick Beverley. While Beverley felt like a nice addition to strengthen the defense, adding him felt like the Milwaukee Bucks were trying to put a band-aid on a gaping wound. It simply wasn't enough to do anything to change Milwaukee's fortunes.
If the Kings don't pick up Payne, Fischer mentions that Victor Oladipo, a former Bucks G-Leaguer, is a separate option for them. It never hurts to see someone from the organization get another shot.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.
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