Free agent reserve point guard Cameron Payne will return to the team that saw him develop into one of the league’s better backup ball handlers this season. After proving himself as a crucial role-playing contributor, Payne will remain with the Suns on a three-year, $19M contract, per Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports (via Twitter).
The 6’1″ Payne, 26, blossomed as a backup behind future Hall of Famer Chris Paul in Phoenix during a charmed 2020-21 season, which saw the Suns return to their first NBA Finals in 28 years.
After being initially drafted by the Thunder in 2015 with the No. 14 pick out of Murray State, Payne struggled to develop at the next level. Payne also served stints with Chicago and Cleveland before landing with Phoenix for an eight-game 2020 Orlando bubble cameo. While with the Suns, Payne enjoyed a breakout run, showing enough promise to convince Suns brass to sign him to a long-term deal.
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