The new NBA season is nearing, meaning the pressure is on for players to find their next destinations. One such player is former Milwaukee Bucks guard Cameron Payne, a fine enough name who could be someone's backup floor general. However, he won't be returning to the Knicks, the New York Post's Stefan Bondy reported after the team signed fellow former Bucks guard Malcolm Brogdon. This late in summer, his options are slim.
Former Bucks guard is treading the free agency water
Cameron Payne was a blink and you miss him Buck. He played 47 games with the team to kick off the 2023-24 NBA season, serving as Damian Lillard's backup. During that span, he was solid, averaging 6.2 points and 2.3 assists while shooting 39.7 percent from deep. However, due to his lack of defense in the backcourt, he averaged just 14.9 minutes per game.
Payne got dealt to the 76ers at the trade deadline for Patrick Beverley, a defense-first veteran on a similar contract. While it didn't result in a title or even a deep playoff run, that was a win for the Bucks, as Beverley went on to play a key role that season. It would end up being his last season in the NBA, at least for the time being.
After a brief stint in Philadelphia, Payne went to the Knicks last season and once again played quality basketball off the bench. Yet, the team has clearly signaled that they have moved on by bringing in a pair of recognizable ball-handlers in Jordan Clarkson and Malcolm Brogdon. That goes without even mentioning sophomore guard Tyler Kolek. Payne is the odd man out and won't be back.
One team that could use Payne is the Golden State Warriors. They were reportedly among the teams interested in signing Brogdon, and they could still use a backup to Steph Curry. On a cheap contract, Payne would be a fine last-minute signing to make sure they aren't putting too much pressure on Curry at every turn. Of course, they must get the Jonathan Kuminga situation sorted out first.
One thing is clear: A reunion between the Bucks and Payne isn't in the cards. Despite what others may think about the group, Milwaukee likes its current guard rotation. On top of that, the Bucks just don't have more room on the roster for anyone right now. They don't even have room for the players they are currently set to employ.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.