Sixers to Add Cameron Payne After Partizan Buyout
sixers-to-add-cameron-payne-after-partizan-buyout
The Philadelphia 76ers have reached an agreement to sign guard Cameron Payne for the rest of the season after his release from KK Partizan Belgrade, according to multiple league sources.
Partizan confirmed Payne’s departure and said it will receive a $1.75 million buyout. Under NBA rules, Philadelphia can cover only $875,000 of that amount and must obtain a Letter of Clearance from FIBA before the deal becomes official.
Payne, 31, joined the Serbian club in December after being waived by the Indiana Pacers in training camp. He appeared in 10 games overseas, averaging 12.4 points, 2.3 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.2 steals, but had been sidelined recently amid speculation about an NBA return.
The move marks Payne’s second stint in Philadelphia. He closed the 2023-24 campaign with the Sixers after a trade from Milwaukee, posting 9.3 points, 1.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists over 31 regular-season contests and remaining in the playoff rotation. He spent last season with the New York Knicks, seeing action in 72 games before entering free agency.
Philadelphia currently has 13 players on standard contracts after 10-day deals for Charles Bassey and Patrick Baldwin Jr. expired. Cap expert Keith Smith notes the club can add two veterans on prorated minimum contracts without triggering the luxury tax. With Jared McCain recently traded to Oklahoma City, Payne is expected to provide immediate backcourt depth when the Sixers resume play Thursday against the Atlanta Hawks.
Source: Hoops Rumors
