Cameron Payne has emerged as a resilient figure in the NBA, showcasing remarkable determination throughout his career journey. From being a lottery pick to falling out of the league entirely, and then making a triumphant comeback, Payne’s story exemplifies perseverance in professional basketball.
Now with the New York Knicks in 2025, he has established himself as a reliable backup point guard known for his quick first step, smooth left-handed shot, and ability to provide scoring punch off the bench.
The 30-year-old guard has overcome numerous obstacles throughout his career, including multiple foot injuries that threatened to derail his NBA dreams. After bouncing between teams and even playing overseas, Payne found his stride during a career revival with the Phoenix Suns, which has led to his current role with the Knicks.
His journey serves as inspiration for players facing career uncertainties, proving that dedication and self-improvement can lead to longevity in the highly competitive NBA landscape.
Cameron Payne’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Cameron Payne |
| Date of Birth | August 8, 1994 |
| Age | 30 years old |
| Education | Lausanne Collegiate School, Murray State University |
| Nationality | United States |
| Height | 6’3″ (191cm) |
| Weight | 183 lbs (83kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2015 |
| Net Worth | Estimated $10 million |
| Career Earnings | $37,147,487 |
| Wife/Husband | N/A |
| Instagram Profile | @smoothcp1 |
| Twitter Profile | @campayne |
Early Career
Cameron Payne’s basketball journey began in Memphis, Tennessee, where he attended Lausanne Collegiate School. His physical development played a crucial role in his basketball trajectory, as he experienced a remarkable growth spurt during his high school years. Payne grew from a modest 5’5″ as a freshman to 6’0″ by his senior year, transforming from an undersized player to one with legitimate college potential.
Despite his growth and developing skills, Payne wasn’t heavily recruited during his high school career. He was considered just a three-star recruit by Rivals.com and wasn’t ranked among the top 100 prospects nationally.
However, Payne made the most of his opportunities at Lausanne, leading the school to a 2013 Division II state championship in Tennessee. His performance earned him the prestigious Tennessee Mr. Basketball award for Division II Class A, catching the attention of several college programs.
Payne’s connection with assistant coach William Small led him to commit to Murray State University, choosing the Racers over several other schools. This decision would prove pivotal in his development, as Murray State provided the perfect platform for him to showcase his talents. What began as a relatively unknown college recruit would soon transform into an NBA lottery prospect during his time with the Racers.
Payne’s freshman season at Murray State was nothing short of impressive. Due to an injury to teammate Zay Jackson, Payne was thrust into the starting point guard role immediately. He embraced the challenge, beginning his collegiate career with a standout performance of 21 points, five rebounds, and four assists in the team’s opener against Valparaiso.
Throughout his freshman campaign, Payne averaged 16.8 points, 5.4 assists, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game, establishing himself as one of the best young players in the Ohio Valley Conference.
His stellar play earned him first-team All-OVC honors and the conference’s Freshman of the Year award. He also contributed to Murray State’s success in the College Insider Tournament, earning MVP honors as the team claimed the championship. Payne’s combination of scoring prowess and playmaking ability made him a perfect fit for the Racers’ system, and his confidence grew with each game.
Payne’s sophomore season saw him elevate his game to even greater heights. He improved his scoring average to 20.2 points per game while maintaining his excellent assist numbers with 6.0 per contest. He also contributed 3.7 rebounds and 1.9 steals per game, displaying his well-rounded skill set. His exceptional play earned him Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year honors, cementing his status as the conference’s best player.
Throughout his two seasons at Murray State, Payne collected numerous accolades, including the Lute Olson Award, two NABC All-District First Team selections, and two appearances on both the All-OVC First Team and OVC All-Tournament Team.
His stock had risen dramatically from his days as an unheralded recruit to a potential NBA lottery pick, prompting him to declare for the NBA Draft after his sophomore season. His jersey would later be retired by Murray State, and he would be inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame, testifying to his incredible impact during his brief but brilliant college career.
Professional Career
Cameron Payne’s professional journey began when the Oklahoma City Thunder selected him with the 14th overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft. His entrance into the league wasn’t without challenges, as he broke the ring finger on his non-shooting hand during pre-draft workouts. Despite this setback, the Thunder showed their confidence in Payne by signing him to his rookie contract on July 10, 2015.
Payne made his NBA debut on November 1, 2015, against the Denver Nuggets, recording three assists in limited playing time. His rookie season was spent primarily as a backup, learning behind established stars Russell Westbrook and Dion Waiters.
Throughout his first season, Payne showed flashes of potential, culminating in a career-high performance of 17 points and seven assists in the season finale against the San Antonio Spurs. He finished his rookie campaign having appeared in 57 games, gaining valuable experience at the professional level.
RELATED ARTICLES
The summer of 2016 brought unfortunate news for Payne when he underwent surgery to repair a fractured fifth metatarsal in his right foot on July 25. While he recovered quickly enough to participate in training camp, disaster struck again when he suffered an acute fracture to the same metatarsal during the team’s Blue-White Scrimmage in September. This injury forced him to miss the first two months of the 2016-17 season, significantly hampering his development during a crucial sophomore year.
Payne’s time in Oklahoma City came to an end in February 2017 when the Thunder traded him to the Chicago Bulls. His stint in Chicago was fraught with challenges, as he struggled to establish himself amid harsh criticism.
An anonymous Bulls source dealt a particularly stinging blow when they told the Chicago Sun-Times: “We knew the second practice that he couldn’t play at level.” After appearing in just 36 games over two seasons with the Bulls, the team waived him in January 2019.
Following his release from Chicago, Payne signed two 10-day contracts with the Cleveland Cavaliers but failed to secure a long-term deal. His NBA prospects dimming, he was then released by the Toronto Raptors ahead of the 2019-20 season.
At this critical juncture, with his NBA career hanging by a thread, Payne made the difficult decision to play overseas, joining the Shanxi Loongs of the Chinese Basketball Association. His time in China was brief, lasting just two games before he returned to the United States to play for the Texas Legends in the G-League.
In a stroke of fortunate timing, the COVID-19 pandemic led to the creation of the NBA bubble, providing an unexpected opportunity for Payne. On June 30, 2020, he signed with the Phoenix Suns, reuniting with head coach Monty Williams, who had been an assistant coach during Payne’s rookie season in Oklahoma City. This reunion proved transformative for Payne’s career.
The bubble environment allowed Payne to showcase his improved skills. He contributed significantly to the Suns’ perfect 8-0 record in the bubble, displaying newfound confidence and maturity in his game. His redemption story continued into the 2020-21 season, as he established himself as a key rotation player for Phoenix, providing valuable minutes off the bench behind All-Star point guard Chris Paul.
Payne’s career reached new heights during the 2021 NBA Playoffs when he recorded a career-high 29 points along with nine assists, two steals, and two blocks in a Western Conference Finals victory over the Los Angeles Clippers. His performance helped the Suns advance to the NBA Finals, though they ultimately fell to the Milwaukee Bucks in six games.
The following seasons saw Payne continue to contribute meaningfully to the Suns. He set a career-high with 16 assists against the New York Knicks on March 4, 2022, and later broke his scoring record with 31 points in a playoff game against the Denver Nuggets during the 2023 NBA Playoffs.
In July 2023, Payne’s journey took another turn when the Suns traded him to the San Antonio Spurs, who subsequently waived him. He quickly found a new home with the Milwaukee Bucks, signing a one-year deal on October 2, 2023. His time in Milwaukee was brief, as he was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers in February 2024.
After completing the 2023-24 season with Philadelphia, Payne signed with the New York Knicks on July 15, 2024, for a one-year, $3 million contract. With the Knicks, he has settled into a reliable backup point guard role, providing valuable depth to a team with championship aspirations. His journey from lottery pick to NBA castoff to valued rotation player stands as a testament to his resilience and determination.
Cameron Payne’s Net Worth Details
Cameron Payne’s net worth is estimated to be $10 million as of 2025.
Contract
Currently, Cameron Payne is playing under a one-year contract with the New York Knicks, which he signed on July 15, 2024. The deal is worth $3,003,427 for the 2024-25 NBA season, using the veteran’s minimum exception.
This contract, while modest by NBA standards, represents the value Payne brings as an experienced backup point guard with playoff experience. The contract is fully guaranteed, providing financial security for the current season. At the conclusion of the 2024-25 season, Payne will become an unrestricted free agent (UFA), allowing him to sign with any team without restrictions when he turns 31 years old.
Salary
For the 2024-25 season, Cameron Payne is earning a base salary of $3,003,427, though his cap hit is only $2,087,519 due to NBA salary cap rules regarding veteran minimum contracts. This arrangement benefits both Payne and the Knicks, as the player receives the full value of his contract while the team incurs a smaller impact on their salary cap situation.
This salary represents approximately 1.48% of the Knicks’ salary cap and 1.22% of the luxury tax threshold for the 2024-25 season. The difference between Payne’s actual salary and his cap hit is covered by the NBA, which is a standard practice for veteran minimum contracts designed to encourage teams to sign experienced players.
Career Earnings
| Season | Team(s) | Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 2015-16 | Oklahoma City Thunder | $2,021,520 |
| 2016-17 | Oklahoma City Thunder/Chicago Bulls | $2,112,480 |
| 2017-18 | Chicago Bulls | $2,203,440 |
| 2018-19 | Chicago Bulls/Cleveland Cavaliers | $3,440,356 |
| 2019-20 | Phoenix Suns | $196,288 |
| 2020-21 | Phoenix Suns | $1,977,011 |
| 2021-22 | Phoenix Suns | $6,500,000 |
| 2022-23 | Phoenix Suns | $6,000,000 |
| 2023-24 | Milwaukee Bucks/Philadelphia 76ers | $9,391,467 |
| 2024-25 | New York Knicks | $3,003,427 |
| Total | $37,147,487 |
NBA Career Stats
| Season | Team | GP | GS | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015-16 | OKC | 57 | 1 | 12.2 | 5.0 | 1.5 | 1.9 | 0.6 | 0.1 | 41.0 | 32.4 | 79.2 |
| 2016-17 | OKC/CHI | 31 | 0 | 14.9 | 5.2 | 1.5 | 1.8 | 0.5 | 0.1 | 33.1 | 31.3 | 81.0 |
| 2017-18 | CHI | 25 | 14 | 23.3 | 8.8 | 2.8 | 4.5 | 1.0 | 0.4 | 40.5 | 38.5 | 75.0 |
| 2018-19 | CHI/CLE | 40 | 13 | 17.8 | 6.3 | 1.8 | 2.7 | 0.7 | 0.2 | 42.1 | 29.8 | 81.8 |
| 2019-20 | PHX | 8 | 0 | 22.9 | 10.9 | 3.9 | 3.0 | 1.0 | 0.3 | 48.5 | 51.7 | 85.7 |
| 2020-21 | PHX | 60 | 1 | 18.0 | 8.4 | 2.4 | 3.6 | 0.6 | 0.3 | 44.0 | 44.3 | 89.0 |
| 2021-22 | PHX | 58 | 1 | 22.0 | 10.8 | 3.0 | 4.9 | 0.7 | 0.3 | 44.8 | 33.6 | 84.2 |
| 2022-23 | PHX | 48 | 15 | 20.2 | 10.3 | 2.2 | 4.5 | 0.9 | 0.3 | 41.5 | 36.8 | 76.9 |
| 2023-24 | MIL/PHI | 78 | 6 | 15.3 | 7.4 | 1.5 | 2.6 | 0.6 | 0.2 | 42.3 | 38.5 | 78.2 |
| 2024-25 | NYK | 66 | 4 | 14.9 | 7.0 | 1.5 | 2.7 | 0.6 | 0.2 | 40.8 | 36.6 | 89.6 |
| Career | 471 | 55 | 17.4 | 7.8 | 2.1 | 3.2 | 0.7 | 0.2 | 42.0 | 36.9 | 81.5 |
FAQs
1. What NBA team does Cameron Payne currently play for?
Payne currently plays for the Indiana Pacers as a point guard. He joined the Pacers during the 2025-26 NBA season, bringing veteran leadership and offensive versatility to the team’s backcourt.
2. Where did Payne play college basketball, and what honors did he earn?
He played for Murray State University for two seasons, earning OVC Freshman of the Year as a freshman and OVC Player of the Year as a sophomore after averaging over 20 points and 6 assists per game.
3. When was Cameron Payne drafted into the NBA, and by which team?
The Oklahoma City Thunder selected him 14th overall in the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft. Payne quickly established himself as a skilled and energetic backup guard in his rookie years.
4. Which teams has Payne played for during his NBA career?
He has played for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, Phoenix Suns, Milwaukee Bucks, Philadelphia 76ers, New York Knicks, and Indiana Pacers, experiencing various roles across each roster.
5. How did Cameron Payne perform during his time with the Phoenix Suns?
Payne revitalized his NBA career with the Suns, helping the team reach the 2021 NBA Finals. He contributed valuable bench scoring, energetic playmaking, and standout performances in the playoffs, including a career-high 31 points in a 2023 playoff game.
6. What are Payne’s career averages in the NBA?
Through 629 regular-season games, Payne averages about 8.4 points, 3.8 assists, and 2.2 rebounds per game, with significant contributions as a backup and occasional starting point guard.
7. Where did Cameron Payne grow up and play his high school basketball?
He grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, and attended Lausanne Collegiate School, where he led his team to a state championship and was named Tennessee’s Mr. Basketball as a senior.
8. What is Payne’s reputation as a teammate and leader on the court?
Teammates and coaches praise Payne for his contagious energy, positive attitude, and leadership. He displays resilience by bouncing back from setbacks and always motivates younger players.
9. Has Payne played basketball internationally?
After a short NBA break in 2019, he played for Shanxi Loongs in the Chinese Basketball Association, where he gained experience before returning to the NBA to reestablish his career.
10. What has been the high point of Payne’s NBA playoff career?
His most memorable NBA playoff moment came in the 2021 Western Conference Finals with a 29-point, 9-assist performance for the Suns against the Clippers, proving his ability to excel under pressure.
RELATED ARTICLES
