On Monday, the New York Knicks made their second free-agency signing, but it wasn't a backup center. Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that 29-year-old guard Cam Payne agreed to a one-year, $3.1 million deal.
Mikal Bridges already knows a few Knicks well, and now, Payne can be added to that list. The duo spent three-and-a-half seasons together in Phoenix (2019-2023).
Cam Payne & Mikal Bridges together again on the Knicks pic.twitter.com/bEbIxGn6K3
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) July 15, 2024
More importantly, Bridges' dog (Sonny) and Payne's dog (Uno) are reunited in New York. They were "best pals" in Arizona (subscription required).
Several months after the Suns traded Bridges to the Nets, they traded Payne to the Spurs. He was waived and signed with the Bucks. He played 42 games before being traded to the Sixers before the 2024 deadline. He averaged 9.3 points, 3.1 assists, and 1.8 rebounds per game for Philadelphia in 31 contests, shooting 41.3% from the field and 38.2% from three.
Knicks sign free-agent guard Cam Payne to one-year deal
Exactly one year ago today, HoopsHype's Michael Scotto reported that the Knicks, Suns, and Pacers "had exploratory discussions on a three-team trade where Cam Payne would've joined the Knicks, TJ McConnell would've joined the Suns, and Evan Fournier and draft pick compensation would've gone to the Pacers."
New York waited a year to sign Payne to a veteran's minimum deal. SNY's Ian Begley reported that the Knicks were also interested in free-agent point guard Tyus Jones.
Knicks used veteran's minimum exception to sign point guard Cam Payne, league source confirms. Knicks also had registered interest in free agent PG Tyus Jones, league sources say. NYK liked, among other things, that Payne has playoff experience (47 playoff games in past 4 years)
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) July 15, 2024
For the New York fans worried about what the Payne signing means for Miles McBride's future, Begley's thought should make you feel better.
One note on Miles McBride: I don't think Knicks signing Cam Payne is a direct reflection of how they view McBride. They had no interest in including McBride in Mikal Bridges deal & have said this offseason that they view McBride as an off-ball guard who can also handle the ball
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) July 15, 2024
Based on his social media posts, Payne's excited to join the Knicks and reunite with Bridges.
Cam Payne on IG: pic.twitter.com/CFOPzxUHs5
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) July 15, 2024
Cam Payne on IG:
— Knicks Nation (@KnicksNation) July 15, 2024
“IT’S UP 🗽” pic.twitter.com/iVKi8GP6lg
Payne gives New York added guard depth behind Jalen Brunson. He's averaged 6.3 points, 2.3 assists, and 1.7 rebounds per game in 58 postseason games. In 2024-25, the Knicks will look to earn their third straight playoff berth for the first time since 2013.
Welcome to New York, Cam!