76ers lose lottery-pick guard to New York Knicks
![](https://ng-sportingnews.com/s3/files/styles/crop_style_16_9_desktop/s3/2024-07/Cam%20Payne.jpg?h=8a186142&itok=XATrluwU)
The Philadelphia 76ers bulked up their backcourt in recent weeks, leaving little room for former lottery pick Cameron Payne.
Instead, Payne is reportedly signing a one-year contract with one of the Sixers’ biggest competitors, the New York Knicks. The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported on the news, writing, “Free agent guard Cam Payne has agreed to a one-year, $3.1 million deal with the New York Knicks, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.”
Free agent guard Cam Payne has agreed to a one-year, $3.1 million deal with the New York Knicks, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. pic.twitter.com/r7wuw1HuMM
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 15, 2024
The 76ers’ guard room saw the additions of rookie Jared McCain and veteran Eric Gordon this offseason. Although Payne was a solid contributor off the bench for Philadelphia, averaging 9.3 points and 3.1 assists on 41.3% shooting. He even started in a handful of games due to the absence of Maxey’s former duo, De’Anthony Melton.
The 29-year-old guard is one of the most sought-after journeymen in the league, largely due to his ability to mesh in almost every system. Once the 76ers re-signed veteran guard Kyle Lowry, it was essentially a guarantee that Payne would depart. It’s clear he’s hoping to win the first championship of his career next season by joining one of Philadelphia’s strongest opponents in the East.