TITLE: Pacers Release Cameron Payne, Bulls Lose Zach Collins to Wrist Surgery, Grizzlies Set Opening-Night Roster
SLUG: pacers-waive-cameron-payne-bulls-zach-collins-out-grizzlies-finalize-roster
CONTENT:
The Indiana Pacers have waived veteran guard Cameron Payne, the Chicago Bulls announced wrist surgery for center Zach Collins, and the Memphis Grizzlies trimmed their roster to the 15-player limit ahead of opening night.
Pacers
Indiana decided to part ways with Payne after a brief preseason look, according to HoopsHype. The 31-year-old guard was on a non-guaranteed Exhibit 9 deal and shot 28.6 percent from the field while logging nearly as many turnovers as assists during exhibition play.
The Pacers initially aimed to sign Monte Morris for camp, then shifted to Delon Wright before Wright was injured. Payne arrived as the next option but was passed in the rotation by rookie Taelon Peter. His release leaves Indiana’s cap sheet unaffected and is expected to secure a roster spot for center Tony Bradley, finalizing a 15-man group for the season opener.
Bulls
Chicago’s frontcourt depth took a blow when Collins underwent surgery to repair a non-displaced fracture in his left wrist. The Bulls said the 27-year-old will be re-evaluated in four weeks. Collins was slated to back up Nikola Vucevic after arriving in last February’s three-team trade with San Antonio and Sacramento. He averaged 6.4 points and 4.5 rebounds in 28 games for Chicago and carries an $18.1 million expiring contract that could become trade fodder once he returns.
Grizzlies
Memphis waived Nate Hinton, DeJon Jarreau and Braxton Key to meet the league’s roster limit. All three were on Exhibit 10 contracts and are expected to join the G League’s Memphis Hustle, where they can each earn bonuses of up to $85,300 by spending 60 days with the affiliate.
The Grizzlies now hold 15 guaranteed contracts and three two-way players. Depth will be tested early; the team already has several injuries, including guard Scotty Pippen Jr., who recently had toe surgery and is slated to be out until the new year.
Source: Hoops Wire
