Spurs land guard Cam Payne in trade with Suns

Cameron “Haboob” Payne is being traded to the San Antonio Spurs.

The San Antonio Spurs have acquired veteran point guard Cameron Payne from the Phoenix Suns in a trade, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania. San Antonio will receive Payne, a future second-round pick, and financial compensation in exchange for an outgoing future second-round pick to complete the deal.

Payne’s $6.5 million contract was guaranteed by Phoenix this June, and he is set to become an unrestricted free agent next summer. A little undersized at 6-foot-1, Payne uses his speed, craftiness, and tenacity to his advantage and was a major player for Phoenix during the team’s trip to the NBA Finals in 2021. The veteran point guard averaged 10.3 points and 4.5 assists in a bench role with the Suns during the 2022-23 campaign.

Phoenix made several transactions Sunday morning. The team acquired more draft capital in a move with the Orlando Magic and also signed big man Bol Bol. As contenders like the Suns have reimagined their rosters ahead of next season, San Antonio has been a helpful and willing partner, landing valuable pieces and players in the process.