Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Bucks Sign Cameron Payne

Payne appeared in 48 games last season. He averaged 10.3 points, 2.2 rebounds and 4.5 assists while shooting 41.5% from the field, 36.8% from beyond the arc and 76.6% from the free-throw line. The 29-year-old will be the Bucks’ backup point guard.

Payne has career averages of 8.0 points, 2.2 rebounds and 3.4 assists in 327 games with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers and Suns. Phoenix traded Payne to the San Antonio Spurs this offseason. The Spurs then waived the lefty, making him an unrestricted free agent.

The Bucks acquired Damian Lillard from the Portland Trail Blazers in a massive blockbuster trade. Lillard told Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report that he’s “excited” for the next chapter of his career.

“My whole life I’ve been on underdog teams and if we had a good season, we overachieved. Now I’ll be able to play with a player that’s better than me and to be a part of a great overall team is a dream come true,” Lillard said. “That’s never been my experience. It’s time for me to be in this situation. And knowing myself enough, I’m going to take advantage of it. I’m excited for this opportunity.”

The Bucks now have a Big 3 of Lillard, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton. Once Lillard was convinced that joining the Miami Heat was virtually impossible, he became open to the prospect of playing for the Bucks and Brooklyn Nets. The Blazers traded Lillard to the Bucks in a three-team deal that sent Jrue Holiday, Deandre Ayton, Toumani Camara, a 2029 first-round Bucks pick and two Bucks pick swaps in 2028 and 2030 to Portland. Meanwhile, Jusuf Nurkic, Nassir Little, Keon Johnson and Grayson Allen were traded to the Suns.