NBA insider Marc Stein reported Monday, February 16, that Cameron Payne is signing a rest-of-the-season deal with Philadelphia after securing a buyout from Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade.
Stein added that finalizing the move will take time as the Sixers obtain Payne’s FIBA Letter of Clearance. League sources told Stein that the maximum Philadelphia can contribute toward the guard’s buyout is $875,000.
Partizan confirmed the transfer the same day. The Serbian club announced it accepted a $1.75 million offer to release Payne, thanking him and wishing him success in the continuation of his career.
The 31-year-old returns to the NBA after appearing in 10 EuroLeague games this season. He averaged 12.4 points, 3.9 assists and 2.3 rebounds in 23:20 per game while shooting 52.9% from two-point range, 33.3% from three and 86.2% at the line.
Payne started all 10 contests for Partizan, which sits 9-19 and 19th in the 20-team EuroLeague standings. The Belgrade club has struggled defensively, reflected in a minus-227 point differential through 28 games.
The move gives Philadelphia another ball handler behind Tyrese Maxey, who is averaging 28.9 points and 6.8 assists across 52 starts. Maxey ranks among the league’s most heavily used guards at 38.6 minutes per game.
Joel Embiid has played 31 games due to injuries, and Paul George has appeared in 27. That context makes additional perimeter depth critical for a team currently sixth in the Eastern Conference at 30-24.
Philadelphia has relied on Quentin Grimes, Kelly Oubre Jr. and rookie VJ Edgecombe for secondary creation. Payne adds playoff experience and familiarity with high-leverage minutes.
