From the moment Cameron Payne was bought out by the San Antonio Spurs, there were fans of the Milwaukee Bucks who wanted him on the roster.
It took a few weeks and a blockbuster trade to clear a roster spot, but the Bucks did ultimately get Payne, inking him to a one-year deal just before training camp. Milwaukee’s roster is now full with 15 standard contracts and three two-ways. Was Payne the correct piece for the team’s final spot? Let us dive in and break down the move before giving it a letter grade.
The financial aspect of Cameron Payne’s deal with the Milwaukee Bucks
According to Spotrac, Payne’s new deal with the Bucks is a one-year contract worth $2.9 million. The deal is also an Exhibit 9, meaning that the team could waive the guard if he were to get hurt in camp and not face major financial issues like they would with a standard contract. Overall, there is nothing too surprising here contract-wise.
He’s worth more than a minimum, as he was initially scheduled to make $6.5 million this coming season before being bought out. Getting a recognizable backup point guard, which was a position of need prior to the move, for the minimum is an excellent move. Looking at the current market, Payne may have been the best available remaining free agent, so snagging him is a nice pickup.
This is the definition of a low-risk, incredibly high-reward signing, given how much Milwaukee paid Payne and how important he could be for this basketball team in 2023-24.