Partizan Belgrade Eyes Cameron Payne; Key Signs in Spain, Raman Hired by Storm, Hollinger Lists Breakout Picks
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Belgrade, Serbia — EuroLeague club Partizan Belgrade has opened talks with free-agent point guard Cameron Payne as it searches for immediate backcourt help, according to Marc Stein.
The Serbian powerhouse lost former NBA guard Carlik Jones to a severe ankle injury that is expected to sideline him for roughly three months. Payne, 31, offers a decade of NBA experience after being drafted 14th overall in 2015. He played 72 games for the New York Knicks in 2024/25, averaging 6.9 points and 2.8 assists over 15.1 minutes per contest.
Payne remained unsigned for most of the summer before inking a non-guaranteed deal with Indiana on October 9. A shaky preseason performance led the Pacers to waive him ahead of the 2025/26 opener despite multiple injuries in their own backcourt.
Key joins Valencia Basket
Forward Braxton Key has finalized a rest-of-season contract with Valencia Basket, the Spanish club announced. The 28-year-old spent training camp and preseason with the Memphis Grizzlies before being released last week. Key was named G League Defensive Player of the Year in 2024/25 and finished that campaign on a standard deal with the Golden State Warriors.
Raman to lead Seattle Storm
Former Memphis assistant coach Sonia Raman has agreed to a multiyear pact to become head coach of the WNBA’s Seattle Storm, sources told ESPN’s Shams Charania. Raman served on the Grizzlies’ staff from 2020–24 and spent last season with the New York Liberty.
Hollinger’s breakout candidates
In a new column for The Athletic, John Hollinger identified a dozen players he believes are poised for breakout seasons. Headliners include San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama and Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic. Hollinger also highlighted Toronto Raptors big man Sandro Mamukelashvili, Minnesota Timberwolves guard Terrence Shannon Jr., and Washington Wizards wings Cam Whitmore and Kyshawn George.
Source: Hoops Rumors
