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NBA free agency: New York Knicks veteran guard would be a perfect fit for Hornets

Will Charlotte make a play for Cam Payne?
Schuyler Callihan|
May 21, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Cameron Payne (1) looks on in the third quarter against the Indiana Pacers during game one of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
May 21, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Cameron Payne (1) looks on in the third quarter against the Indiana Pacers during game one of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images

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Charlotte Hornets

A lot of work needs to be done before the Charlotte Hornets can feel like they have a shot to truly compete in the Eastern Conference and not be looking ahead to "next year" by January. Health of the roster is the main ingredient, but adding more quality and reliable bench players is second on that list.

Sure, adding a big-time superstar would be nice in all, but at this stage in the rebuild, that's just not feasible.

Veteran guard Cam Payne of the New York Knicks will be hitting free agency once again this offseason, and while returning to New York makes a lot of sense, the Hornets should at least consider going after the soon-to-be 31-year-old.

Why?

Well, it's pretty simple. He's an excellent three-point shooter, shooting 36% from deep for his career, understands the importance of defense, would be fairly cheap, and has been a part of winning basketball. He's not a lockdown defender by any means, but he's going to give you more on that end than Seth Curry, Nick Smith Jr., Tre Mann, K.J. Simpson, and just about most of every backcourt piece the Hornets currently have on the roster.

If Charlotte were to pursue and land Payne, it likely means Seth Curry would be the odd man out. The Hornets don't appear to be interested in moving any of their young guards and by swapping out Curry for Payne, you have improved defense and get a player who is four years younger.

It's not a franchise-altering move, but it would certainly elevate the play of the Hornets' bench.

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Schuyler Callihan
SCHUYLER CALLIHAN

Schuyler Callihan is the publisher of West Virginia On SI and has been a trusted source covering the Mountaineers since 2016. He is the host of Between The Eers, The Walk Thru Game Day Show, and In the Gun Podcast. The Wheeling, WV native moved to Charlotte, North Carolina in 2020 to cover the Charlotte Hornets and Carolina Panthers.

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