Kings Convert Black to Two-Way Deal, Fill Out Final Spot

The Sacramento Kings converted Leaky Black's training camp deal to a two-way contract on Thursday, according to Sactown Sports' Brendan Nunes.

Black joins Jonathan Mogbo and Adam Flagler as the team's other two-way players. He received the nod over Tristen Newton, even though he scored 15 points in Tuesday's loss to the Portland Trail Blazers.

The 27-year-old has averaged 7.6 points on 58.3% shooting (62.5% from three), 3.6 rebounds and 1.3 steals across three preseason games.

Sacramento likely preferred Black over Newton because of his plug-and-play ability. He understands his role as a three-and-D wing and doesn't command the ball to score.

Versatile two-way wings are a perfect fit for the Kings' several ball-handlers. Rookie Darius Acuff Jr., veterans Zach LaVine and Malik Monk will have the ball for most of the game.

Ben Simmons and Domantas Sabonis can also initiate the offense, which makes a ball-dominant guard a redundant archetype.

De'Andre Hunter is a fair comparison to Black. He's shot 36.4% from three in his career and guards the perimeter; the new two-way signee is a perfect match for the role.

Black and the other two-way players are a safety blanket for the Kings when the injury bug strikes.

Injuries derailed the team last season. Sabonis, LaVine and Hunter underwent season-ending surgeries in February, and Keegan Murray dealt with lingering ankle issues.

The rookies, two-ways and back-end rotation players had to step up in their veterans' absence. Daeqwon Plowden, a former two-way player, played 32 games last season and scored 20-plus points in a three-game stretch from March 19 to 26.

Sacramento has been plagued with injuries early in preseason, losing centers Maxime Raynaud (right patellar subluxation) and Dylan Cardwell (left calf strain) for at least two weeks.

Forwards Ben Simmons, Precious Achiuwa, Murray and Hunter are healthy, but if one goes down, Black could see some time with the parent team.

Black will likely spend most of his third season with the Stockton Kings, Sacramento's G League affiliate.

He's had two strong seasons with the Greensboro Swarm (Charlotte Hornets) and Capital City Go-Go (Washington Wizards). The 6-foot-7 forward averaged 10.8 points, 7.5 rebounds and two steals across the 2023-24 and 2025-26 seasons.

Sacramento filled its final two-way spot with an older, polished two-way wing who is plug-and-play around its ball-handlers. Black fits the new culture under construction with coach Doug Christie.

Christie wants to develop an identity of toughness and embracing physicality.