One Celtics rival is adding some help in their backcourt from overseas after the trade deadline. NBA insider Marc Stein reports that Cameron Payne is leaving his European deal KK Partizan in Serbia to sign a deal with the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Sixers traded away backup guard Jared McCain to the Oklahoma City Thunder at the trade deadline, creating a void in the team’s backcourt. The 31-year-old Payne will attempt to fill that hole after playing overseas this year after being cut by the Pacers during training camp.
Payne is a familiar face for Celtics fans after playing for a pair of East rivals the last two seasons. He played with the 76ers two years ago after being acquired at the trade deadline, posting 9.3 points and 3.1 assists off the bench. He also served a major role for the Knicks last year off the bench but ended up not being retained by the franchise after they opted to sign Jordan Clarkson last offseason.
Payne will backup Tyrese Maxey at point guard once he officially signs with the Sixers this week. He has played for seven NBA teams since being drafted by the Thunder in 2015, posting 7.8 points and 3.2 assists primarily as a reserve in 477 games.
The Sixers currently sit in the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference, making them a potential first-round matchup for Boston in the playoffs.
The Celtics will host Payne and the Sixers for their final matchup of the regular season on March 1st in a nationally televised contest on NBC.