The New York Knicks have made their first signing since Jalen Brunson took a historic pay cut in his recent extension.
Veteran guard Cameron Payne joined the Knicks on a one-year, $3.1 million deal, per The Athletic and Stadium’s Shams Charania.
Payne spent the first half of the 2023-24 season with the Milwaukee Bucks before he was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers at the deadline.
Payne put up 7.4 points, 2.6 assists and 1.5 rebounds off the bench last season, continuing what has been a solid career as a role player. The ninth-year player shot an efficient 39 percent from deep last year, and he’ll look to bring his reliable shooting to New York as the team pursues a title.
Brunson, who is coming off an MVP-caliber season, signed a four-year, $156.5 million contract extension Monday, which will give him $113 million less guaranteed than he would have been eligible to sign next year. The pay cut gives the Knicks much more flexibility to put a solid supporting cast around him, and they made their first step toward that on Monday by adding Payne.
After Brunson’s unselfish move, it seems other members of the Knicks could follow his direction. NBA insider Marc Stein reported Monday that newly acquired swingman Mikal Bridges is expected to “follow Brunson’s lead” when he signs an extension.
New York is setting itself up to be a contender for the foreseeable future after back-to-back conference semifinal appearances. The Knicks’ 2024 playoff run was especially impressive considering the slew of players injured, and it’s fair to say a healthy team will be one to watch for to come out of the East this season.