Cameron Payne is a name that evokes plenty of memories for the Phoenix Suns. He will always have a soft spot for fans as a result of being part of that roster that made it all the way to the NBA Finals.
But the now 31-year-old also had what you could kindly call "irrational confidence", and was guilty of taking on moments that were too big for him and being picked on defensively.
Payne looks to be on his way out of the NBA
The point guard last played for the Philadelphia 76ers, and there is little indication that he is going to get another contract to continue life in the league. This despite having appeared in 72 playoff games across five different organizations.
It is unfortunate that the Suns are prioritizing bringing back a pair of guards themselves in Collin Gillespie and Jordan Goodwin this offseason, otherwise Payne could have been a cheap option to bring back alongside Devin Booker. But with Jamaree Bouyea looking like he won't be kept on, there is certainly no room for Payne.
It may be that Europe is the next phase for Payne, and another previous Suns guard could be leading the way for him. Monte Morris a part of the Olympiacos team that finally clinched the EuroLeague trophy versus Real Madrid recently after years of near misses.
Writing your name into the history books for a European powerhouse might not appeal to everybody, but the standard of basketball is high there and Morris has proven that a veteran on the fringes of the NBA can succeed over there.
In fact if you look at both rosters from the final you can see many familiar names (Evan Fourner? Chuma Okeke anybody?), so there is no doubt that Payne could and probably should continue his career over there.
As Nigel Hayes-Davis showed in going back last season after being traded away by the Suns, it is possible to earn more money with the elite teams in Europe compared to the veteran's minimum that Payne would be playing for if another franchise did decide to give him a chance.
This has happened earlier that you would have expected, it is hard not to fall in love with that streaky left-handed shot when it is falling, and Suns fans will always have those great memories. Appearing in 42 postseason games alone is impressive, even if some of those occasions ended badly.
Cameron Payne, Valley cult hero.
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