Cameron Payne appears set to join Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade, seemingly confirming the move with black-and-white heart emojis on his Instagram stories on Sunday. The 10-year NBA guard’s arrival is expected to coincide with the official introduction of new head coach Joan Penarroya on Tuesday.
The agreement reportedly is finalized, but Payne’s debut timing remains uncertain as Partizan prepares for Penarroya’s presentation. Mozzart Sport noted that the NBA veteran will add experience to a roster that has struggled this season, currently standing at 6-11 in the EuroLeague after 17 games.
Payne brings extensive NBA experience, having played 477 games with averages of 7.8 points, 3.2 assists, and 2.0 rebounds per contest. His career includes stints with Oklahoma City, Chicago, Cleveland, Phoenix, Milwaukee, Philadelphia, and New York, where he served primarily as a backup point guard.
In Phoenix, Payne enjoyed one of his strongest seasons backing Chris Paul, contributing to the Suns’ run to the NBA Finals. More recently, he appeared in 14 games for the New York Knicks in 2025, averaging 2.1 points in 7.3 minutes per game. Despite limited recent NBA minutes, his veteran presence and playmaking could help Partizan stabilize its backcourt.
Partizan’s roster now includes Carlik Jones, Duane Washington, and Sterling Brown, forming a core that Payne is expected to complement. Jones averages 11.4 points and 5.2 assists per game, while Washington contributes 14.8 points with 2.5 rebounds per contest. Brown adds 13.8 points on 58.3% shooting, providing interior and perimeter scoring balance.
The arrival of Penarroya, who led Burgos to two FIBA Champions League titles and one FIBA Intercontinental Cup, marks a new era for the Belgrade club after Zeljko Obradovic’s resignation. Payne’s signing fits into a broader plan to strengthen Partizan’s roster ahead of crucial EuroLeague fixtures, including an upcoming clash with Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Partizan management has restructured, appointing Zarko Paspalj as sporting director to oversee long-term planning. Payne’s integration will be closely watched, as the club aims to quickly reverse its slide in both domestic and continental competitions.
