The New York Knicks have made a move to strengthen their backcourt by signing veteran guard Cameron Payne to a one-year, $3.1 million deal, using a veteran’s minimum exception. Although this addition might not be the blockbuster signing some Knicks fans were hoping for, Payne brings valuable experience and shooting ability to the team.
Payne, who will turn 30 in August, split last season between the Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers, where he averaged 7.4 points and 2.6 assists per game while shooting an impressive 39% from three-point range. After being traded to the Sixers in February as part of a deal for Patrick Beverley, Payne increased his production, averaging 9.3 points and 3.1 assists in 31 games, with a 38% success rate from beyond the arc. In the playoffs, he continued to provide solid contributions off the bench, averaging 5.3 points per game while shooting 44% from three in five appearances.
In New York, Payne is expected to serve as a backup to starting point guard Jalen Brunson, who recently secured a four-year, $156.5 million extension with the Knicks. Alongside Payne, Miles McBride will also provide depth at the point guard position, with the Knicks reportedly committed to keeping McBride on the roster.
This signing comes as part of a busy offseason for the Knicks, who have also re-signed OG Anunoby and traded for Mikal Bridges to enhance their wing options. Cameron Payne and Bridges have a shared history, having played together on the Phoenix Suns from 2019 to 2023.
However, the Knicks are still looking to address a void left by the departure of Isaiah Hartenstein in free agency. With the remaining pool of available free-agent centers thinning out, the Knicks may need to explore trade options to fill this gap.
Payne’s off-court issues also made headlines this summer when he was arrested in Scottsdale, Arizona, for allegedly providing false information to police and refusing to give his name. He was briefly detained but was released shortly thereafter.
Over his nine-year NBA career, Cameron Payne has played for several teams, including the Oklahoma City Thunder, Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, Suns, Bucks, and 76ers. Originally drafted by the Thunder with the 14th overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft out of Murray State, Payne has carved out a role as a reliable backup guard known for his shooting and playmaking abilities.
Comments