Veteran guard Cameron Payne will not return to the New York Knicks next season, according to Stefan Bondy of the New York Post.
The 31-year-old averaged 6.9 points, 2.8 assists, and 1.4 rebounds across 72 regular-season games for New York during the 2024–25 campaign. He also shot 36.3 percent from three-point range and 90.7 percent from the free-throw line in limited minutes off the bench.
Payne played a key role in the Knicks’ playoff run, notably helping secure a Game 1 victory over the Detroit Pistons in the opening round. However, his production dipped in the postseason, where he averaged 2.1 points in 14 games while playing just over seven minutes per contest.
The Memphis native entered the league in 2015 with the Oklahoma City Thunder as a first-round pick and has since played for multiple franchises, including Chicago, Cleveland, Phoenix, Milwaukee, Philadelphia, and New York. He has carved out a reputation as a steady backup point guard who can provide instant offense.
In his career, Payne has logged 477 regular-season games, averaging 7.8 points and 3.2 assists while shooting 36.8 percent from beyond the arc. His best seasons came in Phoenix, where he was part of the Suns’ 2021 NBA Finals appearance.
For the Knicks, Payne’s departure is one of several changes following an active offseason. New York dismissed Tom Thibodeau in June after five seasons and hired Mike Brown as head coach in July. The organization also reshaped its roster around Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, Karl-Anthony Towns, and OG Anunoby.
The front office added Jordan Clarkson, drafted Mohamed Diawara, and kept its defensive anchor in Mitchell Robinson while looking for more depth at both guard spots. With Tyler Kolek and Miles McBride still in the rotation, the Knicks are expected to prioritize younger options in their backcourt.
