Veteran guard Cameron Payne won’t return to the New York Knicks subsequent season, in keeping with Stefan Bondy of the New York Publish.
The 31-year-old averaged 6.9 factors, 2.8 assists, and 1.4 rebounds throughout 72 regular-season video games for New York through the 2024–25 marketing campaign. He additionally shot 36.3 p.c from three-point vary and 90.7 p.c from the free-throw line in restricted minutes off the bench.
Payne performed a key position within the Knicks’ playoff run, notably serving to safe a Recreation 1 victory over the Detroit Pistons within the opening spherical. Nevertheless, his manufacturing dipped within the postseason, the place he averaged 2.1 factors in 14 video games whereas taking part in simply over seven minutes per contest.
The Memphis native entered the league in 2015 with the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder as a first-round decide and has since performed for a number of franchises, together with Chicago, Cleveland, Phoenix, Milwaukee, Philadelphia, and New York. He has carved out a repute as a gradual backup level guard who can present immediate offense.
In his profession, Payne has logged 477 regular-season video games, averaging 7.8 factors and three.2 assists whereas capturing 36.8 p.c from past the arc. His greatest seasons got here in Phoenix, the place he was a part of the Suns’ 2021 NBA Finals look.
For the Knicks, Payne’s departure is certainly one of a number of modifications following an energetic offseason. New York dismissed Tom Thibodeau in June after 5 seasons and employed Mike Brown as head coach in July. The group additionally reshaped its roster round Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, Karl-Anthony Cities, and OG Anunoby.
The entrance workplace added Jordan Clarkson, drafted Mohamed Diawara, and stored its defensive anchor in Mitchell Robinson whereas searching for extra depth at each guard spots. With Tyler Kolek and Miles McBride nonetheless within the rotation, the Knicks are anticipated to prioritize youthful choices of their backcourt.
