The Milwaukee Bucks could be seeking a new serviceable backup up guard. The Bucks recently signed TyTy Washington to a two-way deal and have young gun AJ Green waiting in the wings, but may now be looking to target a newly released free-agent point guard.
Milwaukee Bucks Could Feel the Payne
On September 11, 2023, the San Antonio Spurs waived veteran point guard Cameron Payne. The Spurs acquired Payne on July 17, 2023, in a trade deal that included their protected second-round pick for Payne, a 2025 second-round pick, and cash considerations.
Payne, 29, is slightly older, even for the Spurs rebuild, so waiving him feels like the best play. Payne was an integral piece to the Suns squad that made it to the 2021 NBA Finals. Against the Bucks, Payne averaged 7.3 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in the 6 NBA finals games.
Payne is a dynamic, creative guard who has a knack for scoring. He posted his career-high of 31 points with 7 threes in the playoffs in 2023. Payne also recently blew up for 54 points in the AEBL Pro-Am this past summer, so he’s ready to show off his scoring skills on his next team. According to Statmuse, Payne has also posted 4.9 and 4.5 assists in the last two seasons respectively, proving his playmaking abilities are no fluke. His above-average 36.8% clip from deep can also help surround Giannis Antetokounmpo with more shooters. He has also shown decent production when in the playoffs, averaging 40.7% from three in last year’s playoff run.
Overall, Cameron Payne’s playstyle combines athleticism, creativity, and a team-first mentality. He’s a player who can make a significant impact on the game with his speed, ball-handling, and ability to energize his team, especially when coming off the bench as a valuable spark plug.
The Bucks have All-Star Jrue Holiday to run the point with Antetokounmpo, but when they need rest, rather than rely on Lindell Wigginton and TyTy Washington, the Bucks could turn to the shifty Payne to lead the bench unit. His flashy playmaking skills could help elevate players like Pat Connaughton and Robin Lopez, while also creating his own fair share of offense. This can also give Marjon Beauchamp more time to develop and take ease off of his development. Payne gives a boost to the Bucks that keeps them closer to contention while still placing an emphasis on youth player development.
Where does he fit in?
The real issue with this pursuit is the fact that Washington filled the Bucks’ last roster spot, so in order to add a player like Payne, the roster will need to be restructured in some form. Now could be the perfect time to sell on Grayson Allen and free up a roster spot. Jae Crowder was an interesting fit on the roster last season and could see his time in Milwaukee cut short to make room for more veteran guard play.
If the team is content with their current veterans, perhaps selling high on a younger player could net a decent value return and add the veteran point guard play of Payne. It would be interesting to see what Green, Wigginton, and Andre Jackson Jr. could return for the Bucks, and the team could be tempted to at least test the waters. It’s possible that the team also lets go of Malik Beasley, although he has yet to step foot on the court with a Bucks uniform.
It’s unclear which direction the Bucks want to lean towards, and if the Bucks want to stay closer to contention, Payne will at least be on their big board of players to get over the hump and compete at the highest level against the competitive Eastern Conference.
For More Wisconsin Sports:
Follow us @WiSportsHeroics. Also, check out our Merchandise Here! Get 20% off with the code “WSH.” To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Wisconsin sports, click here! Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks, Wisconsin Badgers.
