The Philadelphia 76ers are bringing back a familiar face, with veteran guard Cam Payne expected to rejoin the team for a second stint. This move adds a steady hand to the backcourt and, more importantly, gives the Sixers some much-needed depth as they gear up for the stretch run.
Payne, who’s been playing overseas with Partizan Belgrade in Serbia since December, is working through a buyout to make his NBA return possible. The Sixers are chipping in to help make that happen, reportedly contributing the league-maximum $875,000 toward the $1.75 million buyout. It’s a move that shows the team’s intent-they see value in bringing Payne back into the fold.
Once the buyout is finalized, Payne is expected to sign a one-year deal with Philadelphia. This isn’t the first time the Sixers have helped a player exit an overseas commitment.
Just last season, they worked with Real Madrid to bring Guerschon Yabusele stateside. Yabusele parlayed that opportunity into a longer-term deal with the Knicks.
Now, it’s Payne’s turn to try and write a similar comeback story.
At 31, Payne is no stranger to the league. He was the 14th overall pick back in the day and has bounced around the NBA with stops in Oklahoma City, Chicago, Cleveland, Phoenix, Milwaukee, New York, and of course, Philadelphia. He’s carved out a reputation as a reliable rotational guard-someone who can step in, run the offense, and knock down open shots.
His first stint with the Sixers came in 2024 after a midseason trade. In 31 games, he averaged 9.3 points and 3.1 assists while shooting a respectable 38% from beyond the arc. That kind of production off the bench is exactly what Philly’s looking for right now.
Last season with the Knicks, Payne played in a career-high 72 games, averaging 6.9 points and 2.8 assists per contest. He didn’t light up the stat sheet, but he provided solid minutes and veteran poise-two things that can be invaluable down the stretch of a long season.
After a brief preseason stint with the Indiana Pacers that ended before the regular season tipped off, Payne headed overseas. Now, he’s on the verge of returning to the NBA, and the Sixers are betting he can still contribute.
With Tyrese Maxey logging heavy minutes and leading the league in playing time before the All-Star break, the Sixers are clearly looking for someone who can take some of the load off their young star. Whether Payne becomes a key rotation piece or simply offers a reliable option off the bench, his presence gives head coach Nick Nurse another card to play.
There’s no word yet on how big a role Payne will have, but the Sixers are investing enough to suggest they see him as more than just a depth signing. For Payne, it’s a chance to reestablish himself in the league. For Philly, it’s another smart move in a season where every edge counts.