Sixers Bring Back Former Guard Cam Payne

Philadelphia adds veteran guard for playoff push

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The Philadelphia 76ers are reportedly signing former guard Cam Payne to a deal for the remainder of the 2026 season. Payne previously played for the Sixers in 2024 before leaving in free agency, and the team is bringing him back to provide depth in the backcourt behind Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe.

Why it matters

The Sixers made a key deadline trade to acquire Jared McCain, leaving them in need of additional guard depth. Payne's familiarity with the team and playoff experience will be valuable as Philadelphia makes a push for the postseason.

The details

Payne averaged 9.3 points and 3.1 assists while shooting 38.2% from 3-point range in 31 games for the Sixers in 2024 before joining the New York Knicks in free agency. He helped the Knicks reach the Eastern Conference Finals in 2025 and is now returning to Philadelphia to provide bench scoring and playmaking.

  • The Sixers will return from the All-Star break on Thursday, February 16, 2026 to take on the Atlanta Hawks.
  • Payne previously played for the Sixers during the 2024 season before leaving in free agency.

The players

Cam Payne

A veteran guard who previously played for the Sixers in 2024 and helped the New York Knicks reach the Eastern Conference Finals in 2025.

Tyrese Maxey

The Sixers' starting point guard who will now have additional backcourt depth with Payne's arrival.

VJ Edgecombe

Another guard on the Sixers' roster who will benefit from Payne's addition to provide more options in the backcourt.

Jared McCain

A guard the Sixers traded at the deadline, leaving them in need of additional depth at the position.

Quentin Grimes

A Sixers guard who was sidelined with an illness heading into the All-Star break, making Payne's addition timely.

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What they’re saying

“Payne's familiarity with our system and playoff experience will be valuable as we make a push for the postseason.”

— Nick Nurse, Sixers Head Coach (Yahoo Sports)

What’s next

The Sixers will debut Payne in their first game back from the All-Star break on Thursday against the Hawks.

The takeaway

The Sixers are bolstering their backcourt depth by bringing back a familiar face in Cam Payne, who can provide scoring and playmaking off the bench as the team makes a playoff push in the second half of the season.