Title Contenders Expected to Show Interest in Former Suns Point Guard

Cameron Payne is set to go through waivers, and the former Phoenix Suns point guard is expected to draw interest from contenders.

The San Antonio Spurs are reportedly waiving former Phoenix Suns point guard Cameron Payne, according to various NBA insiders on Monday.

Payne spent three seasons in Phoenix and was traded this offseason alongside a $5.6 million cash consideration and a second-round pick in 2025 to San Antonio. 

However, the Spurs have opted to part ways with Payne, who will hit the open market with plenty of interest according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

"The San Antonio Spurs are waiving veteran guard Cameron Payne, clearing the way for him to join a contending team that can offer him a larger role, sources told ESPN on Monday. Should Payne clears waivers this week, he'll have a significant market of contending teams looking to add him -- especially after his productive postseason performance for the Phoenix Suns in the 2023 Western Conference playoffs."

Payne was upset when he left Phoenix, saying on Instagram live, “Man, I love Phoenix, bro, I miss Phoenix already. I wish I was in Phoenix still but hey, it is where it is, man. They’re trying to win a chip and I respect it. I feel like they could’ve won a chip with me though 'cause like, I’m tough.”

The Suns are not allowed to sign him for a full year since they recently traded for him, unless another team signs and waives him again. 

Locked on Suns host Brendon Kleen says the Cleveland Cavaliers, Milwaukee Bucks, Brooklyn Nets, Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Pelicans and Miami Heat all make sense for Payne's next destination. 

Cleveland, Milwaukee, Brooklyn, Memphis, New Orleans and Miami all would make sense https://t.co/l8YyZb9f3t

— Brendon Kleen (@BrendonKleen14) September 11, 2023