Suns pick up option on Cameron Payne

The Suns have picked up their $1.98M option on guard Cameron Payne, according to John Hollinger of The Athletic.

Payne’s contract for the upcoming season carries only a $25K guarantee. He is expected to be the primary backup to Chris Paul, according to Hollinger, unless Phoenix drafts another point guard tonight.

Payne signed with the Suns at the end of June and appeared in all eight games at the Disney World complex, averaging 10.9 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.0 assists in a reserve role. A first-round pick by the Thunder in 2015, Payne also played for the Bulls and Cavaliers. He was in Toronto’s training camp last fall, but he was released before the start of the season and didn’t get another NBA opportunity until joining the Suns.