Kings Waive Viktor Lakhin, Tristen Newton, Elfrid Payton

The Kings have waived training camp invitees Viktor Lakhin, Tristen Newton and Elfrid Payton, the team announced today (Twitter link via Sean Cunningham of NBC Sacramento).

Payton, a nine-year veteran who was selected 10th overall in the 2014 draft, is the most well-known player among the group for NBA fans. He signed his Exhibit 9 contract with the Kings in September and was said to be competing for a spot on the standard roster.

Newton, a 2024 second-round pick, has appeared in nine total NBA games over the last two seasons while on two-way deals with Indiana, Minnesota and Houston. Sacramento’s NBAGL affiliate in Stockton acquired Newton’s rights in a September trade. The former UConn guard made the All-NBA G League first team last season.

Lakhin, who went undrafted out of Clemson in 2025, averaged 10.3 points and 7.1 rebounds per game in 31 NBAGL outings for the Oklahoma City Blue last season. Like Newton, he appears likely to open the season with the Stockton Kings.

Newton and Lahkin will be eligible for bonuses worth up to $91K if they spend at least 60 days with Stockton. It’s unclear what the next step is for Payton, since his contract didn’t feature Exhibit 10 language.