The Indiana Pacers made another quick backcourt shuffle just as camp battles were heating up. On Wednesday, the team announced they’ve signed veteran guard Cameron Payne to a training camp contract while waiving Delon Wright, ending the latter’s short stint in Indy before it really began.

Wright had agreed to join the Pacers just before training camp, bringing a decade of NBA experience and fresh memories of facing Indiana in last season’s Eastern Conference Finals while playing for the New York Knicks. The Pacers’ official X (formerly Twitter) account confirmed the news, posting:  “We have signed guard Cam Payne to a training camp contract. In a subsequent move, we have waived guard Delon Wright.”

Wright’s exit comes as a bit of a surprise, especially considering his connection to head coach Rick Carlisle. The two worked together during the 2019–20 season with the Dallas Mavericks, a team that made the playoffs in the bubble-shortened year. The 10-year pro was expected to compete for the final roster spot, but the team’s front office seems to be leaning in a different direction—one that values another dynamic ball-handler like Payne over additional frontcourt depth.

Cam Payne, who appeared in 72 regular-season games with the Knicks last season, was one of the top remaining free agents on the market. As reported by Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, he joins Indiana on a training camp contract. The 29-year-old averaged 6.9 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in 15.1 minutes per game, while shooting 40.1% from the field, 36.3% from three, and 90.7% from the line.

He had some standout moments early in the playoffs, notably dropping 14 points off the bench and finishing as a +23 in the Knicks’ first-round opener against Detroit. However, his shooting dipped as the postseason went on, eventually leading to him falling out of the rotation during the Eastern Conference Finals.

The New York Post reported last month that the Knicks weren’t interested in bringing him back, leaving the energetic guard available for a fresh start. Cam Payne, the 14th overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder, has carved out a steady journeyman career across several teams. Including Chicago, Cleveland, Phoenix, Milwaukee, Philadelphia, and New York.

He’s now suited up in 477 regular-season games, known for his high energy and streaky but valuable scoring bursts. Ironically, Payne and Wright were teammates with the Knicks just last season.

Cam Payne steps in as Delon Wright’s Pacers stint comes to an end

Wright began the year with Milwaukee before being traded to New York at the deadline, averaging 3.1 points across 40 games with both teams. His brief run with the Knicks was slightly more productive, posting 4.3 points and 2.1 assists per game while making six playoff appearances. Wright has played for 10 NBA teams, logging 548 regular-season games since entering the league in 2015.

Wright’s time with Indiana was short-lived—he signed an Exhibit 9 contract late last month, a non-guaranteed deal designed to protect teams if a player suffers an injury in training camp. Unfortunately, that clause became relevant quickly. Wright logged just four minutes in the Pacers’ preseason opener before leaving the game after a head-to-head collision, effectively ending his brief stint in blue and gold.

For now, Payne gets the opportunity Wright lost—a chance to prove he can add energy, pace, and playmaking behind Tyrese Haliburton and T.J. McConnell. Whether he turns that training camp deal into a permanent spot remains to be seen, but the Pacers’ latest move clearly signals their push for more spark in the backcourt heading into the season.