The Pacers waived Payne on Saturday, Michael Scotto of USA Today reports.

EDGE Analysis

Payne was signed to a training camp deal with the Pacers on Oct. 9 following an injury to T.J. McConnell, but he was unable to make the final roster. Payne has been quite the journeyman over the past 10 years with stints with the Thunder, Bulls, Cavaliers, Suns, Bucks, 76ers and Knicks.

Payne posted 10 points (3-8 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 2-2 FT), two assists and one rebound across 17 minutes in Monday's 124-108 preseason loss to the Spurs.

EDGE Analysis

Payne moved to the bench after drawing the spot start in Saturday's preseason win over the Thunder, and he was one of five Indiana players to score in double figures against San Antonio. The veteran guard signed a training camp contract with the Pacers on Thursday and will have one more opportunity to prove he belongs on the regular-season roster. However, given Indiana's backcourt injuries, he has a solid chance to stick around.

Payne won't start in Monday's preseason game against the Spurs, Scott Agness of FieldhouseFiles.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

With Andrew Nembhard (rest) returning to game action, Payne will retreat to the bench. The 31-year-old point guard is competing for a spot on the team's regular-season roster and appears to have a solid chance given Indiana's injury-riddled backcourt.

Payne will be in the starting lineup for Saturday's preseason game against the Thunder.

EDGE Analysis

Payne signed a training camp deal with the team on Thursday. The Murray State product will try to make the final roster and might have a decent chance following T.J. McConnell's hamstring injury.

Payne signed a training camp deal with the Pacers on Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

In a related move, the Pacers waived Delon Wright (head). The Pacers are in need of some backcourt depth, and it's worth noting that T.J. McConnell is dealing with a hamstring injury. Payne holds career regular-season averages of 7.8 points, 3.2 assists and 2.0 rebounds.

Payne finished the 2024-25 campaign with averages of 6.9 points, 2.8 assists, 1.4 rebounds, 1.3 three-pointers and 0.5 steals across 15.1 minutes per game in 72 regular-season appearances.

EDGE Analysis

Payne didn't play in the club's final four games during the postseason due to a coach's decision. He averaged 2.1 points across 7.2 minutes per game in 14 playoff appearances. Payne is slated to become an unrestricted free agent after playing for four teams in the last three seasons.

Payne contributed zero points (0-1 FG, 0-1 3Pt) and one assist over five minutes during Wednesday's 91-90 win over the Celtics in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

EDGE Analysis

Payne barely touched the floor, playing fewer than 10 minutes for the sixth time in the past seven games. Tom Thibodeau is known for running a shallow rotation, something that has worked thus far during the playoffs. The two teams will meet again in New York on Saturday, and given the recent success of the team, there is no reason to think Payne will play a meaningful role.

Payne ended with four points (2-4 FG) and one steal in nine minutes during Thursday's 118-116 win over the Pistons in Game 3 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

EDGE Analysis

Payne led New York's bench in scoring while playing single-digit minutes for the second consecutive game. He's averaging 6.0 points while shooting 63.6 percent from the field across 9.3 minutes per game during the first round.

Payne is not in the starting lineup ahead of Saturday's Game 1 against the Pistons, Kristian Winfield of the New York Daily News reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Knicks will play their regular starting lineup for this postseason opener, meaning Payne will return to his regular bench role while adding depth to the backcourt. He averaged 6.9 points, 2.8 assists and 1.4 rebounds per game across 72 regular-season appearances (five starts) in 2024-25.

Payne recorded 21 points (6-13 FG, 3-7 3Pt, 6-6 FT), seven assists, two rebounds, one steal and a block in 33 minutes during Sunday's 113-105 win over the Nets.

EDGE Analysis

Payne filled a significant role Sunday as the team elected to bench its starters for the regular-season finale. Payne took advantage of the situation, logging a season-high 21 points and adding seven assists. The veteran guard figures to slide back into a modest reserve role to begin the Knicks' first-round playoff series against the Pistons.