Kings waive Elfrid Payton, Tristen Newton, Viktor Lakhin

The Kings have waived training camp invitees Viktor Lakhin, Tristen Newton and Elfrid Payton, the team announced Saturday.

Payton, a nine-year veteran selected 10th overall in the 2014 draft, is the most well-known player in the group. He signed an Exhibit 9 contract with Sacramento in September and was competing for a spot on the standard roster. His next step is unclear, since his contract did not include Exhibit 10 language.

Newton, a 2024 second-round pick, has appeared in nine total NBA games over the past two seasons on two-way deals with the Pacers, Timberwolves and Rockets. Sacramento’s G League affiliate in Stockton acquired his rights in a September trade, and 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 in 31 G League outings for the Oklahoma City Blue last season. Like Newton, he appears likely to open the season with the Stockton Kings. Both will be eligible for bonuses worth up to $91K if they spend at least 60 days with Stockton.