The Sacramento Kings have officially converted forward Leaky Black to a two-way contract for the 2026-27 NBA season. The move 2026, adds a versatile defender to the roster as the team continues its preseason schedule, which most recently featured a 98-110 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on October 13.
Leaky Black is a 6-foot-8 forward known primarily for his defensive versatility. He can guard multiple positions on the perimeter, a skill the Kings have valued during their preseason contests. His signing follows a training camp deal with Sacramento earlier in the fall. Before joining the Kings, Black was with the Washington Wizards, who waived him from his previous two-way deal. Analyst Michael Scotto was the first to report the Kings' decision to convert Black's contract.
Black's opportunity comes as the Kings evaluate their rotation. In a recent preseason game against the Los Angeles Lakers, the Kings' players not named Precious Achiuwa or Leaky Black struggled offensively, shooting just 1 for 12 from the field in the third quarter. This stat shows the team's search for consistent scoring options beyond its main contributors.
The contract conversion occurs during a busy preseason for Sacramento. Their last four games have all been losses, including the 98-110 result against Portland. They also fell 106-111 to the Golden State Warriors on October 10 and dropped two games to the Los Angeles Lakers, 110-114 on October 8 and 103-127 on October 5. These games are key for testing lineups and integrating new players like Black into the system.
Head coach Mike Brown is using these exhibitions to solidify his rotation before the regular season tips off. Adding a two-way player like Black provides flexibility. This allows the Kings to maintain a deep bench without committing a full roster spot immediately.
The Kings' immediate focus is their final preseason matchup, an away game against the San Antonio Spurs on October 16. It's the last chance for players on the bubble, including Black, to make a final impression before roster decisions are finalized. The team will then turn its attention to the regular season opener.
Fans can track the team's upcoming schedule on our schedule page. The preseason results, while not counting in the standings, have revealed areas that need work, particularly on the defensive end and in finding reliable bench scoring. Leaky Black's role will likely be to address the former with his length and activity. His journey from a training camp invite to a two-way contract holder shows the Kings are actively looking for pieces that fit their evolving identity. The front office continues to tweak the edges of the roster, seeking the right combination to improve upon last season's finish and make a push in the competitive Western Conference.
