Cameron Payne Gets Honest on Suns Departure

Former Phoenix Suns guard Cameron Payne dove into his exit.

Former Phoenix Suns point guard Cameron Payne is no longer with the team after being traded to the San Antonio Spurs earlier in the offseason.

Payne was traded alongside a 2025 second-round pick (via New Orleans) and cash considerations for a protected 2024 second-round pick. 

Payne recently went on Instagram live and brought up the move from the Valley:

“I miss Phoenix already... They tryna win the chip and I respect it. I feel like they could've won a chip with me tho," Payne said. 

Cam Payne on IG live talking about getting traded from the Suns.

“I wish i was in Phoenix still.. It is what it is man, they trynna win the chip and i respect it. I feel like they could’ve won the chip with me tho” pic.twitter.com/jcUsfK4H06

— CantGuardBook (@CGBBURNER) August 10, 2023

Suns GM James Jones spoke on why the team dealt Payne earlier this offseason:

“(The Payne trade) was a part of a series of transactions that we made that we thought would give us roster balance and flexibility,” Jones said. 

“Cam was tremendous for us for the last three years, but we have changed the identity of our team. When you look at the types of players that we have on the floor, they have size, defensive versatility, length.

“When we thought about that position, you’re talking about (Devin Booker, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal) having the ball in their hands and being high usage. We needed a different type of guard and I think we have that. But at the same time, we’re open to continue to try to figure out how to add those same traits, defensive versatility, at our guard position.”