Knicks Continue Offseason Splurge With Latest Free Agent Addition

The New York Knicks continue to bolster their lineup this offseason with another free agent signing on Monday night. Per The Athletic and Stadium's Shams Charania, veteran guard Cameron Payne is signing a one-year deal worth up to $3.1 million with the New York Knicks.

Knicks Bolster Backcourt Depth By Signing Veteran Free Agent

This signing follows the Knicks' recent extension of superstar point guard Jalen Brunson. Brunson's historic $113 million pay cut will allow New York to remain competitive and build toward becoming a perennial contender for years to come. The team plans to extend their newest addition, Mikal Bridges, soon, who is willing to take a pay cut to help the Knicks, hoping to bring a championship back to the Big Apple.

Payne spent the first half of last season with the Milwaukee Bucks but was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers, where the Knicks became more familiar with his game when both sides met in the first round of the playoffs. Last year, the veteran guard averaged 7.4 points, 1.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and shot 43.2 percent. He performed well in the postseason against the Knicks off the bench, where he averaged 5.6 points, 1.2 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and shot 40 percent.

Payne has previously played for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Phoenix Suns, where he was teammates with Bridges. The veteran will turn 30 in August and is entering his tenth season in the league.

With the addition of Payne, the Knicks improve their depth off the bench and continue to bolster their backcourt, which includes Brunson, Bridges, Donte DiVincenzo, Deuce McBride, and Tyler Kolek. With several guards rostered by the Knicks, this could open the door for general manager Leon Rose to make a trade for a center, which remains a priority this offseason after Isaiah Hartenstein signed with the Thunder in free agency.

If the Knicks are interested in trading for a big man, they could pursue young stars likeJalen Duren of the Detroit Pistons or Alperen Sengun of the Houston Rockets. While landing a player like Duren or Sengun would be a fantastic acquisition for New York, Walker Kessler of the Utah Jazz could be a more realistic option. The team has shown interest in all three players, but it's still unknown if they will target a center via trade.

With Payne now a member of the Knicks, I wouldn't be surprised if McBride's name is mentioned in trade rumors and is included in a potential package for a center. It should be interesting to see how Rose continues to build this squad ahead of next season. Still, it's safe to say the 2024-25 New York Knicks will be a hot ticket this year and fun to watch at Madison Square Garden.

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