The Raptors have added more depth at the point guard position. According to Shams Charania, Cameron Payne has agreed to a two-year deal with the Toronto Raptors. The first year of his contract is partially guaranteed.
Guard Cameron Payne has agreed to a two-year deal with the Toronto Raptors, league sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 17, 2019
Payne played for the Dallas Mavericks’ Summer League team, where he had a noteworthy showing. He averaged 20 points, five rebounds and four assists per game. He also shot 51 percent from the field and 46 percent from deep. Payne played three Summer League games but took advantage of the opportunity. His performance led to his deal with the Raptors.
Before Summer League, Payne last played for the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavs signed Payne to a 10-day contract. Payne received a second 10-day contract before the Cavs parted ways with him. During that time, he averaged 8.2 points and 2.6 assists while shooting a career-high 49 percent.
The Cavs signed Payne after the Chicago Bulls waived him in the same season. He played 31 games for the Bulls where he averaged 5.7 points and 2.7 assists.
Payne gives the Raptors more depth at point guard. He’ll play behind Kyle Lowry and Fred VanVleet, who are two key players of the Raptors. Lowry is an established veteran who remains an essential piece of the Raptors core, and VanVleet is one of the Raptors’ crucial bench players. Payne may not see much action, but if the opportunity presents itself, he’ll have a chance to contribute.
Payne was the 14th pick of the 2015 draft when the Oklahoma City Thunder drafted him. Since then, he has tried to find the right fit with teams such as the Bulls or Cavs. Now, Payne has the chance to establish himself and find a role with the Raptors. If Payne shoots as well as he did in Summer League, he could find a home with the Raptors. It could benefit both sides.
Featured image courtesy of Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images
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