Cameron Payne Agrees To Join Knicks On One-Year Deal

The Knicks bolstered depth at point guard by signing former 76er Cameron Payne following Jalen Brunson’s extension. Payne will now serve as the backup point guard, filling a crucial hole.

Alec Burks was the previous backup, averaging 20 minutes per game during last postseason’s series against the Pacers. Burks signed with the Heat on July 3 on a one-year deal for a vet minimum. Immanuel Quickley and Quentin Grimes were traded in the past year, thus supporting Payne’s acquisition.

Payne is a solid role player, averaging 7.4 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.5 rebounds off the bench last season, in addition to shooting 39 percent from three. The veteran was vital to the Suns’ run to the NBA Finals in 2020-2021, averaging 9.3 points and 3.2 assists in 22 postseason games. Phoenix traded Payne to Milwaukee in the 2023 offseason before being sent to Philly in February 2024.

Brunson accepted a pay-cut in order for the Knicks to sign Payne, in addition to making room for future signings.

Marquette’s recently drafted shooting guard, Tyler Kolek, played in last Saturday’s Summer League game against the Hornets. Kolek showed potential as a floor general, recording seven assists while grabbing seven rebounds. His shooting was a question mark as the guard shot two or six from the field. Rokas Jokubaitis debuted along with Kolek, scoring eight points on 50 percent shooting off the bench. Jokubaitis was originally selected by the Thunder in the second round of 2021’s NBA Draft, however, his drafting rights and Miles Mcbride were traded to the Knicks in exchange for Jeremiah Robinson-Earl. Kolek and Jokubaitis played as the Knicks looked for in-house options for a backup point guard.

Payne’s signing will help the Knicks as he is the bench spark they need to complement Brunson and take the load off of Donte DiVincenzo.