Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Cameron Payne was waived by the San Antonio Spurs. Payne was traded from the Phoenix Suns to the Spurs for a second-round pick and cash.
Payne now gets the chance to find a new home with a potential title contender. According to Wojnarowski, he is looking for a bigger role than Spurs can offer.
Payne’s role appeared to be eliminated after the Spurs signed point guard Tre Jones to a two-year deal this offseason. He probably would have lined up behind starting point guard Devonte Graham as well.
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Payne was on a three-year, $19 million deal with the Suns when he was traded to the Spurs. He had $6.5 million left on his deal. It was the last year of his contract. The contract was fully guaranteed, so the Spurs will be on the hook for $6.5 million.
Where could Cam Payne play next?
Cam Payne could be a solid backup point guard for a contending team. He is 29 years old. He has played for four different NBA teams, including the OKC Thunder, Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers.
Payne could potentially return to the Suns on a minimum deal. The team was able to use his services after trading Chris Paul. He could fit into the bench rotation for the loaded Suns.
Payne said on social media that he did not want to leave Phoenix. Currently, they have Bradley Beal as a potential starting point guard, even if he plays more at the two. They also signed Jordan Goodwin as a rotational point guard.
The Utah Jazz still have some cap space left and could potentially sign the guard. The Detroit Pistons have the most cap space in the NBA, but are loaded with young guards. Payne would have a hard time finding minutes.
Payne averaged 10.3 points and 4.5 assists per game last season at Phoenix. He also started a career-high 15 games that year. The talented point guard posted a career-high 4.9 assists per game in the 2021-2022 season. He is still young enough to find a place somewhere in the league.
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