Who Can the Kings Target Ahead of Roster Deadline?

With the loss of Ben Simmons, the Sacramento Kings are once again in the market for another ball handler.

The NBA regular season tips off on Tuesday, with the roster deadline having already passed.

But, Sacramento still has a two-way spot open after waiving Adam Flagler, and an official roster spot.

Two guards who have been linked to the team as potential targets are Walter Clayton Jr. and Kevin Porter Jr., with both being intriguing options.

Clayton, who was drafted No. 18 overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, spent his rookie season with both the Utah Jazz and Memphis Grizzlies.

The former National Champion averaged 7.8 points and four assists, but struggled from the field, shooting just north of 30% from distance.

After starting his collegiate career at Iona with head coach Rick Pitino, Clayton made the jump to Power Four basketball with Florida, leading the Gators to a national title.

Clayton was incredible during March Madness, posting multiple incredible performances from deep, and averaging over 22 points per game throughout the tournament.

While his high level of shooting hasn't translated to the NBA yet, Clayton's ability to handle the ball and space the floor would be a benefit to the Kings' second unit.

On Monday, ahead of the roster designations needing to be final, Clayton was waived by the Grizzlies, making it a bit easier to claim him.

Porter, on the other hand, has remained under contract with the Milwaukee Bucks, but has been linked to Sacramento as a potential trade target.

But, on Monday, the former USC standout was also waived, hitting the market and becoming an option for the Kings' brass.

After a down season in 2024-2025, Porter posted solid numbers with Milwaukee last season, averaging 17.4 points, 7.4 assists, and 5.2 rebounds per game.

The smooth lefty has shown the ability to playmake over his career, while giving the Kings a solid perimeter defender as well.

At 6-foot-5, Porter is a bigger guard, giving him the ability to out-physical smaller players and make an impact on the glass.

Last season was a career-best for Porter in the steals department as well, with the seventh-year guard recording 2.2 takeaways per game.

Of the two options available, Porter would be able to take on more responsibility as a playmaker in the second unit, while Clayton would give the Kings a younger, higher-upside player.

Nevertheless, either option would be a nice pickup ahead of Wednesday night's opener.