James Harden Trade Rumors: 5 Role Players Sixers May Target

(Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
(Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
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Another guy to keep an eye on is combo guard Cameron Payne who was traded from the Phoenix Suns to the San Antonio Spurs in July. The 29-year-old was once called “America’s Most Overlooked Prospect” by Bleacher Report in a scouting report that hyped up his killer instinct and ball-handling skills. Payne was on a short list of players to average at least 20 points, five assists, two steals and two made threes per game in a season while helping put Murray State on the national map. And he helped the school win 25 straight games during the 2014-15 campaign en route to Ohio Valley Player of the Year honors.  

3. Cameron Payne, San Antonio Spurs: The 6-foot-1 combo guard projects as a bench player next season behind starting point guard Tre Jones after Phoenix sent him packing to San Antonio. He’s a double-digit point scorer and high-energy guy, perhaps the blueprint for what a role player should be. Payne has struggled with his shot at times, particularly at the free-throw line, but he can push the pace in short bursts which should allow more rest for Tyrese Maxey. (Yes, Keldon Johnson would be a better option but the Spurs don’t seem willing to trade him).