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Let free agency begin!
Many questions surrounded James Jones and the Phoenix Suns as to what they would do as the franchise embarked on Free Agency 2021. One of the hopes was that Phoenix would retain Cameron Payne following a very productive 2020-21...no pun intended...campaign.
His re-signing would assist with the long-term need of addressing the point guard position, whether it be in a starting capacity or that of a backup. While many believed that he would return to Phoenix, his July 31 Tweet relative to free agency left some pondering whether or not he would.
Well HELLO FA!
— Cameron Payne (@campayne) August 1, 2021
That was all put to rest on Monday afternoon when Chris Haynes reported that Cameron Payne had inked a deal to return to Phoenix.
Free agent guard Cameron Payne has agreed to re-sign with the Phoenix Suns on a three-year, $19 million deal, league sources tell @YahooSports.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) August 2, 2021
The deal, worth a reported $19M, would be spread over three years. The $10M price tag that Payne was speculated to be worth on the market was placed by a deal that was stretched over three years for $6.3M.
Not only will this provide Cam Payne security and stability with the franchise that took a chance on him prior to the Orlando Bubble, it gives Phoenix some more money to play with as they look to address further roster needs.
Payne was a key contributor to a team that made it’s way to the 2021 NBA Finals, averaging 8.4 points on 48.4/44/89.3 splits last season in 60 regular season games. Those numbers jumped to 9.3 points on 42.5/46/88.9 splits in the playoffs.
Torrey Craig to the Indiana Pacers
Former Phoenix Suns’ forward Torrey Craig, who came to the Suns mid-season in a trade for cash considerations, has signed a deal to join the Pacers.
Free agent F Torrey Craig has agreed to a two-year, $10M deal with the Indiana Pacers, his agents Dave Spahn and Austin Brown of @caa_sports tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 2, 2021
His physicality and effort on the boards will be missed. Torrey “the Juice” Craig was a welcomed addition to the Phoenix Suns and played a vital role in their playoff success.
He is returning to the Eastern Conference and joining new Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle as he embarks on re-inventing the Pacers. Best of luck to you TC.
Much more to come, so stay tuned to Bright Side for more updates!