Pacers Waive Veteran Guard Cameron Payne

The Indiana Pacers waived 10-year NBA veteran Cameron Payne today, October 19, 2025, according to a team release, creating further uncertainty in their backcourt as they navigate injuries to key players.

Payne, 31, signed with the Pacers earlier this month after being waived by the New York Knicks, where he appeared in 72 games last season, averaging 6.9 points per game. His departure leaves the Pacers thin at guard with Tyrese Haliburton sidelined for the season with an Achilles injury and T.J. McConnell currently dealing with a hamstring issue. The team will now likely lean heavily on rookie guard Taelon Peter to fill the void.

Originally selected 14th overall in the 2015 NBA Draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder, Payne has also played for the Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, Phoenix Suns, Milwaukee Bucks, and Philadelphia 76ers. The Pacers had previously waived Delon Wright to create a roster spot for Payne following a preseason injury. This move underscores the challenges teams face in balancing roster flexibility with immediate needs, especially early in the season. For more on NBA roster moves, see NBA.com.

Payne’s availability on waivers could attract interest from teams seeking guard depth. The Pacers have opted to pursue a different direction in their guard rotation, hoping to find a solution within their current roster and developing players like Peter, as detailed in our recent coverage of NBA injury updates.

The Pacers have not commented beyond the initial release announcing the waiver.