The Sacramento Kings have emerged as a possible trade destination for Memphis Grizzlies guard Walter Clayton Jr. ahead of Monday’s 5 p.m. ET roster cutdown deadline, according to Marc Stein and Jake Fischer.
“The Grizzlies are actively trying to find a new home via trade for Walter Clayton Jr. before today’s 5 PM ET roster cutdown deadline,” Stein reported on X on October 19, adding that Sacramento had emerged as a possible destination.
Fischer reported that the Kings were considering point guard reinforcements following Ben Simmons’ season-ending Achilles injury during practice on Sunday. Sacramento has also contacted the Milwaukee Bucks about guard Kevin Porter Jr., according to Fischer.
Simmons tore his right Achilles tendon on October 18, ending his attempted return to the NBA after sitting out the entire 2025-26 season. The three-time All-Star had signed a one-year minimum contract with Sacramento in September.
Clayton’s potential availability follows a shift in Memphis’ approach to the young guard. Fischer reported on October 15 that the Grizzlies had been exploring trade markets for both Clayton and forward GG Jackson II, describing the development as a change from the team’s original stance on Clayton.
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Clayton split the 2025-26 season between the Utah Jazz and Grizzlies, averaging 7.8 points and 4.0 assists in 69 appearances. He was more productive after joining Memphis, posting 9.7 points and 5.7 assists in 24 games while averaging 25 minutes per contest.
However, Clayton shot 36.6% from the field and 30.7% from three-point range during his stint with Memphis. He is under contract on a four-year, $19.3 million rookie-scale deal, with team options for the third and fourth seasons.
Sacramento’s interest in additional point guards comes as the Kings address the loss of Simmons before the regular season roster deadline. Whether the franchise can complete a deal for Clayton or Porter Jr. remains to be seen, with the deadline set for 5 p.m. ET on Monday, October 19.
