Former 6-foot-1 Knicks fan-favorite waived by Eastern Conference rival

It can be difficult to stick around a franchise for the long haul after signing a one-year deal. 

A 6-foot-1 former first-round pick experienced that as a member of the New York Knicks last season, as his tenure with the organization proved to be temporary (he became a free agent after the 2024-25 season) despite being a fan favorite.

On Saturday, the 31-year-old was waived by the Knicks’ Eastern Conference rival. 

“(Indiana) Pacers waived guard Cam Payne,” Fieldhouse Flies’ Scott Agness reported.

Payne entered his 10th NBA season with a defined role. The Knicks brought the Murray State product in to provide energy and spunk off the bench as a confident lead guard, and he did just that. 

Payne, who appeared in 72 regular-season contests, averaged 6.9 points and 2.8 assists while shooting 40.1% from the field and 36.3% from three. 

Payne wasn’t as productive in the postseason, though, as he only contributed 2.1 points and 0.6 assists on putrid shooting splits while playing 7.3 minutes per game. 

The NBA journeyman’s most impressive playoff outing came against the Detroit Pistons in the first round. Payne surprisingly notched 14 points, connected on 71.4% of his field goals, and drilled his triples at a 60% clip in the Knicks’ 123-112 Game 1 victory. 

Although Payne is no longer a member of the Knicks, it’s reasonable to assume his contributions were appreciated by everyone associated with the franchise. 

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