'Stalled' 3-Team Trade Would've Sent Cameron Payne to Knicks
The New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers were set for another swap and they were even ready to involve a friend.
According to Michael Scott of HoopsHype, a three-team deal involving the Knicks, Pacers, and Phoenix Suns would've sent veteran depth prescience Cameron Payne to Manhattan. The deal also would've ended Evan Fournier's metropolitan odyssey, as he was set to join Obi Toppin in Indianapolis.
"New York, Phoenix, and Indiana had exploratory discussions on a three-team trade where Cam Payne would’ve joined the Knicks, TJ McConnell would’ve joined the Suns, and Evan Fournier and draft pick compensation would’ve gone to the Pacers," Scotto's report says. "There were also variations of the talks, which involved Jordan Nwora."
"Had the trade come to fruition, New York would’ve created a traded player exception of over $19 million. However, talks have since stalled."
Losing out on Payne is perhaps a blessing in disguise for the Knicks, as his arrival would be a bit redundant upon the arrival of Donte DiVincenzo. Injuries have eaten away at Payne's career since he entered the league as the 14th pick of the 2015 draft but he did average 10.3 points and 4.5 assists over 48 appearances (career-high 15 starts) with Phoenix last season.
One would have to assume that, if the Knicks were going to make a trade, they'd be more inclined to seek depth behind Julius Randle with Toppin having departed. That could've opened a case for Nwora, as the 6-9 forward averaged 13 points and 4.7 rebounds in 24 games with the Pacers after a trade deadline deal brought him over from Milwaukee.
Time will tell if the Knicks shape up their roster through a trade but dealing Fournier continues to look inevitable. Long exiled from the New York rotation, Fournier himself did not anticipate being invited back for the 2023-24 campaign. The Knicks have reportedly sought to do right by Fournier on account of his positive demeanor despite the de facto demotion.
Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags
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