NBA Notes: Payne Opts for NBA Pursuit, Fernando Heads to Partizan, Notable Free Agents, Breakout Picks
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Veteran point guard Cameron Payne, recently waived by the Pacers, has decided to stay in the United States in search of another NBA job rather than sign with EuroLeague power KK Partizan, according to longtime NBA reporter Marc Stein.
Payne, 30, appeared in 72 games for the Knicks last season, averaging 6.9 points and 2.8 assists in 15.1 minutes while shooting 40.1% overall and 36.3% from three-point range. Invited to Indiana’s training camp this fall, he struggled in preseason action, hitting 28.6% of his shots with seven assists and six turnovers, and was released before opening night.
While Payne declined the Serbian club’s interest, Bruno Fernando is set to bolster Partizan’s frontcourt. Eurohoops reports the 26-year-old center has reached a deal with the Belgrade team after spending last season with Real Madrid. Fernando logged 220 NBA regular-season games for four franchises between 2019 and 2025 and made 17 appearances for the Raptors before Toronto waived him in January.
Several recognizable names who finished the 2024/25 campaign on NBA rosters remain unsigned as the new season begins. In a ranking compiled by Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report, Malik Beasley, Ben Simmons, and Precious Achiuwa headline the top 10 available veterans.
On the projection front, Jeremy Woo of ESPN lists his five leading breakout candidates for 2025/26. The group features Payton Pritchard (Celtics), Jalen Duren (Pistons), and Andrew Nembhard (Pacers) among others.
Source: Hoops Rumors
