A former first-round NBA draft pick is returning to the U.S. to continue the season.
Reports indicate that Cameron Payne will join the Philadelphia 76ers for the remainder of the season, according to Marc Stein.
Cameron Payne has spent the last two months in Europe
Payne has been playing for Partizan Belgrade in the EuroLeague since signing there in December.
Partizan will reportedly receive $1,750,000 as a buyout for the transfer, according to TeleSport.
Cameron Payne is a low-risk, high-reward addition for the 76ers
At 31, Payne adds a veteran presence to the 76ers as they aim for a playoff spot. His familiarity with the coaching staff makes him an easy fit for the team.
He previously played with Philadelphia in the latter part of the 2023-24 season, averaging 9.3 points over 31 games, including eight starts.
Cameron Payne brings playoff experience to Philadelphia
After his time with the 76ers, Payne had a one-year run with the Knicks, playing an important role in their playoff journey to the Eastern Conference Finals. He averaged 6.9 points in 72 games, with five starts during that season.
Payne is viewed as a low-risk, high-reward player for the 76ers, especially as Paul George serves his suspension. Despite strong performances from Tyrese Maxey and a rejuvenated Joel Embiid, the team holds a 30-24 record, placing them sixth in the East.
Best known for being part of the 2021 Suns team that reached the NBA Finals, Payne could help secure Philadelphia’s playoff position and enhance their chances once they get there.
Drafted 14th overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2015, Payne has played for several teams including the Thunder, Bulls, Cavaliers, Shanxi Loongs in China, Suns, Bucks, 76ers, and Knicks. He has a career average of 7.8 points per game across 477 NBA games.