In a strategic move to enhance their backcourt depth, the New York Knicks have officially signed veteran point guard Cameron Payne. The acquisition of Payne, a seasoned player with playoff experience, signals the Knicks’ commitment to strengthening their roster ahead of the upcoming NBA season.
The Athletic’s Shams Charania reports that Payne will sign a $3.1 million, one-year contract with the Knicks. Payne participated in 36 games for the 76ers in the previous campaign, five of which were postseason games against the Knicks in the 2024 playoffs’ first round.
A Versatile Guard with Playoff Pedigree
Cameron Payne, 29, brings a wealth of experience and versatility to the Knicks’ lineup. Known for his ability to play both the point guard and shooting guard positions, Payne has made a name for himself as a reliable contributor off the bench.
Last season, in 78 games (10 starts), Cam averaged 7.4 points, 2.6 assists, and 1.5 rebounds in 16.7 minutes with Milwaukee and Philadelphia. Payne recorded 9.3 points, 3.1 assists, and 1.8 rebounds in 19.4 minutes over 31 games (8 starts) after being dealt to Philadelphia on February 8. Payne finished with 5.6 points, 1.4 assists, and 1.2 rebounds in 12.2 minutes across five games versus the Knicks in the 2024 NBA Playoffs. In Game 3, Payne recorded 11 points, three assists, and two blocks. With Oklahoma City, Chicago, Cleveland, Phoenix, Milwaukee, and Philadelphia, the nine-year veteran has participated in 405 NBA games (66 of which he has started). His career averages of 7.9 points, 3.3 assists, 2.1 rebounds per game, coupled with his playoff performances, highlight his ability to step up in crucial moments.
Stats courtesy New York Knicks.
A Look at Payne’s NBA Journey
Payne, who was the 14th overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder, has played for several teams during his career, including the Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Phoenix Suns. His tenure with the Suns was particularly notable, as he played a key role in their run to the NBA Finals in 2021. Payne’s ability to score, facilitate, and defend makes him a valuable addition to any roster.
Impact on the Knicks’ Roster
With the addition of Payne, the Knicks are expected to have a more dynamic and flexible backcourt rotation. Payne’s presence will provide valuable support to starting point guard Jalen Brunson, allowing for more strategic rotations and reducing the overall load on the starters. His ability to push the tempo and create scoring opportunities will be a welcome addition to the Knicks’ offensive arsenal.
Looking Ahead
As the Knicks gear up for the 2024-2025 NBA season, the signing of Cameron Payne is a clear indication of the team’s ambition. With a blend of veteran presence and young talent, the Knicks are poised to be a formidable force in the Eastern Conference. Fans can look forward to seeing how Payne’s skills and experience will contribute to the team’s success in the upcoming season.
The New York Knicks will kick off their preseason campaign next month, giving fans their first glimpse of Payne in the blue and orange. As excitement builds, the addition of Cameron Payne is yet another reason for Knicks fans to be optimistic about the future.
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