Ranking 76ers free agents by likelihood to return next season
By Tyler Watts
6. Cameron Payne
The veteran guard has been on four different teams in the last year. He was traded to the Spurs last summer only to be waived and signed by the Bucks. Milwaukee dealt him with a second-round pick to Philadelphia to get Patrick Beverley. The 76ers needed some offensive punch and jumped at the chance to get more draft capital.
Payne is a flawed player. The 6’3 guard struggles mightily on defense and can shift too far toward scoring. He averaged 9.3 points, 3.1 assists, and 1.8 rebounds in 19.4 minutes per game over his 31 contests with the 76ers, but the franchise had a negative net rating with him on the floor.
Finding a backup point guard on a minimum contract may not be easy. Payne has familiarity with head coach Nick Nurse’s system and the ability to get buckets. It may not always be efficient, but the 29-year-old will score. The Sixers may need that as their options dwindle this summer.
The Philadelphia 76ers are not set on bringing back Cameron Payne for the same reasons he has bounced around the league. He is in his prime and a steady backup option, but offers nothing spectacular. Payne will create a few plays and get a few buckets while being an easy target on the other end. The Sixers could do worse but would love a more well-rounded option.