4. Cameron Payne
The Suns have a decision to make on the contract of Cameron Payne this summer. Just $2 million of his $6.5 million salary is guaranteed with the rest being set on June 29. The Suns’ top four players are set to make $140.9 million next season, which puts them over the salary cap. Phoenix will be looking to duck the new second tax apron, which could make Payne expendable.
The Grizzlies have the best backup point guard in the league in Tyus Jones, but Payne and Ja Morant know each other well. They both played two seasons at Murray State University before declaring for the NBA Draft. Both were selected in the lottery, but Payne and Morant were not teammates. Morant came to Murray State in 2017, and Payne had already been in the NBA for two years at that point.
The duo has supported each other over the years, especially as Payne tried to work his way into a rotation early in his career. The 28-year-old has played well as the Suns’ backup point guard for the last three seasons, and Phoenix would love to have him back next year.
Do not expect Cameron Payne and Ja Morant to reunite in Memphis, but they will continue to support each other.