The Bucks have found their backup to Damian Lillard.
Per Shams Charania of The Athletic, Milwaukee is signing free agent point guard Cameron Payne to a one-year contract — adding depth to the backcourt and theoretically making sure Lillard gets a breather.
Payne was acquired by the Spurs in a trade with the Suns after the season and then waived shortly thereafter. (The Spurs also received a 2025 second-round pick and $5.7 million cash in exchange for a protected 2024 second-round pick.)
In 48 games with the Suns last season, Payne averaged 10.3 points, 2.2 rebounds and 4.5 assists, shooting 42 percent from the field and 37 percent on 3-pointers.
After the Thunder selected Payne as the No. 14 overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, he went on to play for the Bulls, Cavaliers and Suns during his eight-year career.
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