Former Knicks, Suns guard Cameron Payne headed overseas
After a decade-long tenure in the NBA defined by resilience and high-energy play, veteran point guard Cameron Payne is taking his talents to Europe. The former Phoenix Suns and New York Knicks standout has officially agreed to a deal with Partizan Belgrade, joining the Serbian powerhouse for the remainder of their EuroLeague and ABA League campaigns.
The move marks a significant transition for the 31-year-old, who began the 2025-26 league year seeking a roster spot stateside. Payne spent the 2024-25 season as a key rotation piece for the Knicks, appearing in 72 games and averaging 6.9 points and 2.8 assists while providing steady backcourt depth behind Jalen Brunson. Despite his solid production in New York, Payne faced a squeezed market this offseason. He briefly signed a training camp deal with the Indiana Pacers in October but was waived prior to opening night as the franchise finalized its regular-season roster.
By joining Partizan Belgrade, Payne steps into one of the most intense basketball environments in the world. The club, currently navigating a competitive EuroLeague season, has been searching for dynamic perimeter scoring and playmaking. Payne’s ability to push the pace—a trait that earned him the nickname "Turbo" during his revitalization with the Suns—makes him an ideal fit for the European style of play. He joins a growing list of former NBA lottery picks, including Jabari Parker and Kemba Walker, who have recently made the jump to the continent to extend their careers in high-level competition.
Selected 14th overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2015 NBA Draft, Payne’s career arc has been a testament to perseverance. After early struggles and a stint in China, he reinvented himself in the "Bubble" with Phoenix, eventually playing a pivotal role in their run to the 2021 NBA Finals. Now, he brings that wealth of postseason experience to Belgrade, where he will look to help Partizan secure a playoff berth in Europe’s premier competition. While the door to an NBA return remains theoretically open, this signing signals Payne's commitment to a significant role overseas rather than waiting for a 10-day contract opportunity in the United States.
The move marks a significant transition for the 31-year-old, who began the 2025-26 league year seeking a roster spot stateside. Payne spent the 2024-25 season as a key rotation piece for the Knicks, appearing in 72 games and averaging 6.9 points and 2.8 assists while providing steady backcourt depth behind Jalen Brunson. Despite his solid production in New York, Payne faced a squeezed market this offseason. He briefly signed a training camp deal with the Indiana Pacers in October but was waived prior to opening night as the franchise finalized its regular-season roster.
By joining Partizan Belgrade, Payne steps into one of the most intense basketball environments in the world. The club, currently navigating a competitive EuroLeague season, has been searching for dynamic perimeter scoring and playmaking. Payne’s ability to push the pace—a trait that earned him the nickname "Turbo" during his revitalization with the Suns—makes him an ideal fit for the European style of play. He joins a growing list of former NBA lottery picks, including Jabari Parker and Kemba Walker, who have recently made the jump to the continent to extend their careers in high-level competition.
Selected 14th overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2015 NBA Draft, Payne’s career arc has been a testament to perseverance. After early struggles and a stint in China, he reinvented himself in the "Bubble" with Phoenix, eventually playing a pivotal role in their run to the 2021 NBA Finals. Now, he brings that wealth of postseason experience to Belgrade, where he will look to help Partizan secure a playoff berth in Europe’s premier competition. While the door to an NBA return remains theoretically open, this signing signals Payne's commitment to a significant role overseas rather than waiting for a 10-day contract opportunity in the United States.
