The Philadelphia 76ers are scrapping for position in the middle of the Eastern Conference, but have every reason to be optimistic about their chances to snag a postseason spot. The 30-24 team just saw guard Tyrese Maxey play in the NBA All-Star Game while former MVP Joel Embiid is slowly returning to form. While they were dealt a setback with Paul George's suspension, the 35-year-old will return in time for the playoffs.
The franchise is looking to round out its roster after an active NBA trade deadline, during which they sent former first-round pick Jared McCain to the OKC Thunder for draft compensation. They've reportedly decided to address their backcourt depth by signing 31-year-old NBA veteran Cameron Payne from Serbian team KK Partizan.
Reports coming out of Serbia also claim the 76ers are paying Partizan a $1.75 million fee to acquire Payne's services, showing how determined the team was to get the veteran guard on their bench.
Payne was averaging 12.4 points, 2.3 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game, shooting 33.3% from 3-point range in Serbia, playing 10 games in the EuroLeague this season. He returns to the NBA, where he has averaged 7.8 points and 3.2 assists in 477 regular-season games over his career.
He last played in the league with the New York Knicks in 2024-25, averaging 6.9 points, 2.8 assists and 1.4 rebounds in 72 games. He previously played for the 76ers in 2023-24, averaging 9.3 points, 3.1 assists and 1.8 rebounds in 31 games.
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The 76ers have a noticeable lack of ball-handlers on their roster after McCain's departure, with Payne likely fitting into the rotation ahead of 39-year-old Kyle Lowry. While this isn't a needle-moving change, the 76ers definitely have improved their depth with this signing.
Outside of Maxey, the 76ers have been forced to rely on players like Quentin Grimes, Kelly Oubre Jr. and rookie V.J. Edgecombe to be on-ball contributors. However, they're all natural wings who would be better served playing next to another on-ball guard.
Maxey has taken on a huge load this season, averaging 38.6 minutes per game in 52 appearances. Payne's addition will allow the 76ers to lighten the load on their young star guard while ensuring they have competent on-ball play.
Philadelphia returns from the All-Star break on Thursday by hosting the Atlanta Hawks at 7 p.m. ET.