The New York Knicks have been very active during the 2024 NBA offseason making adjustments to their roster. This week, they made another move, agreeing to a one-year deal with veteran point guard Cameron Payne.
The deal is for the veteran’s minimum, as Cameron Payne is joining yet another Eastern Conference contender. Last season, he started with the Milwaukee Bucks before being traded to the Philadelphia 76ers for Patrick Beverley.
He was solid for the 76ers, averaging 9.3 points and 3.1 assists in only 19.4 minutes per game. Cameron Payne knocked down 39 percent of his 3-point attempts last season between the Bucks and 76ers.
The New York Knicks saw firsthand the impact he could have on a team. During their first-round matchup in the 2024 NBA Playoffs with Philadelphia, Cameron Payne knocked down 44.4 percent of his 3-point attempts as a spark off the bench.
That is one of the things that the team can expect to see more of during the 2024-25 season. A 36.9 percent 3-point shooter in his career, Cameron Payne provides the team with another player capable of knocking down shots from the perimeter.
Entering his 10th season in the NBA, he brings valuable experience to the end of the bench as well. At times during the 2023-24 season, the New York Knicks hit rough patches because of their lack of depth overall.
Tom Thibodeau was not comfortable turning to his guys at the end of the bench to play regular minutes. That is something that will change with Cameron Payne in the fold.
He has 56 games of playoff experience, including making the NBA Finals with the Phoenix Suns in 2021. Not only is he experienced, he is a capable producer.
Running offense with Jalen Brunson on the bench was a mess for the New York Knicks last season. That will no longer be the case with Cameron Payne joining rookie Tyler Kolek on the depth chart behind him.
Don’t forget Miles McBride, who will only keep improving as he now has a regular rotation spot. Ian Begley of SNY doesn’t believe this indicates things have changed in reference to the team’s unwillingness to include McBride in trade talks.
If anything, this allows Thibodeau to lean into McBride’s strengths even more. He won’t be saddled with having to run the offense, as he can play off the ball and focus his energy on being a 3-and-D backcourt player.
Another thing Cameron Payne will bring to the mix is chemistry and continuity. The New York Knicks have more chemistry than any team in the NBA with the Villanova alumni they have compiled.
Brunson, Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo all have championship experience from Villanova. Bridges overlapped at Phoenix, where the two got along very well.
New York is hoping that chemistry and camaraderie will carry over to their team this season. Snagging a proven playoff contributor for the veteran’s minimum, Cameron Payne is another great move by Leon Rose.
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