After paying Serbia’s KK Partizan $1.75 million to secure his contract buyout, the Philadelphia 76ers will sign 10-year NBA veteran Cameron Payne, according to EuroLeague insider Luca D’Alessandro.
Payne had played 15 games for the 22-time national champions, tallying 11.9 points per game (on 41.0% shooting from the field). His scoring average ranked third on the team behind fellow American imports Duane Washington Jr. and Sterling Brown. Though known for his ability to get the ball through the net, Payne also averaged 3.9 assists and 1.4 steals per game with Partizan Belgrade. While his assist average ranked third on the team behind Carlik Jones and Nick Calathes, his steal average was a team-high.
76ers Pay KK Partizan $1.75M To Sign Scoring-Minded Guard Cameron Payne
In 2023-24, Payne played 31 games for the Sixers after the Milwaukee Bucks traded him and a second-round pick for Patrick Beverley.
Though Beverley enjoyed a better reputation due to his defensive prowess, the Memphis (TN) native instantly made Philadelphia look like the smart ones. Across 31 games, Payne posted 9.3 points and 3.1 assists per contest, shooting 38.6% from 3. For comparison, Beverley averaged 6.0 points and 2.6 assists per game with the Bucks, shooting 36.1% from 3. It would be the three-time All-Defensive selection’s final season in the NBA.
Neither Philadelphia nor Payne can say they got the last laugh though. The 76ers finished their 2023-24 campaign with a 47-35 record but were bounced out of the first round of the playoffs by the New York Knicks. Despite averaging 5.6 points per game that series, Payne made his presence felt with 8-18 shooting from 3 and four blocks.
It’s just his luck that after he signed with the Knicks that summer, they cared less about his offense than his defense. Payne was able to make it through the entire season without being waived or traded. However, New York played Payne under 15 minutes in 42 (out of 72) games. For reference, current backup point guard Miles McBride has been on the court for 28.0 minutes per game this season.
What Will Cam Payne’s Role Be?
The Sixers’ starting backcourt is in a different place than they were in 2023-24.
An aging Kyle Lowry isn’t starting alongside Tyrese Maxey, but springy rookie VJ Edgecombe. Though De’Anthony Melton has since departed, Quentin Grimes has filled his role quite well. As a result, there are limited minutes to spare in the guard rotation.
Even so, the Sixers traded former Rookie of the Year favorite Jared McCain , who had effectively replaced Buddy Hield. Former first round pick MarJon Beauchamp, who’s coming off of a strong showing in the G League Next Up Game, has played well in a small sample size (two games). Yet, he’s on a two-way contract, meaning he won’t be eligible for the playoffs. Thus, Payne can still provide a spark with shot-creation, shot-making and playmaking.
Are Other Partizan Players Coming To The NBA?
Notably, Partizan teammate Isaac Bonga is also receiving interest from prospective NBA teams. Like Payne, Bonga has multiple years of NBA experience under his belt. Considering that Washington, Jones, and Brown have performed even better than them, it’s quite possible that NBA executives have their eyes on them, too.
© Kyle Ross-Imagn Images