The reigning NBA Champion Toronto Raptors are still active in the open market.
The team today announced that it has signed free agent point guard Cameron Payne.
Official: Welcome to Toronto, @campayne. #WeTheNorth
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) July 25, 2019
🖌 https://t.co/MWdpIVi29Z pic.twitter.com/03mHAXfcjS
According to The Athletic's Shams Charania, the deal is partially guaranteed in the first season and he will have an opportunity to compete for minutes with Kyle Lowry and Fred Van Vleet at the point guard position.
Payne finished the 2018-19 season with the Cleveland Cavaliers, playing in just nine games and averaging 8.2 points, 2.6 assists while shooting 49% from the field.
The 24-year-old played three games at Summer League for the Dallas Mavericks and had a strong showing for the team, averaging 20.0 points, 4.0 assists, 5.0 rebounds and shooting 51% from the field. He was also lights out from 3-point range as he knocked down 46% of his triples in Las Vegas.
MORE: Fast facts on Cameron Payne
Beside the Kahwi-sized hole left on the Raptors roster, their 3-point shooting also took a hit with Danny Green heading off to Los Angeles to play with the Lakers.
Other than Matt Thomas, Toronto hasn't been able to find 3-point shooters in the open market. If Payne can win a roster spot come training camp, it will likely be because he's shown the ability to knock down the long ball.
Payne is a career 33% three-point shooter but closed the season shooting 36% with the Cavs.
There's room on the roster for someone like Payne especially if he can continue to show a strong stroke from beyond the arc.