Cameron Payne Returns to the Sixers, Jabari Walker Promoted to Standard Contract
May 23, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Cameron Payne (1) reacts in the first half against the Indiana Pacers during game two of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
The Philadelphia 76ers have officially announced the return of Cameron Payne for the remainder of the 2025-2026 season. The 31-year-old point guard, who had been playing for Partizan Belgrade since the start of the season, was released by the Serbian club for a buyout of $1.75 million, with $875,000 covered by the Sixers according to NBA rules.
Payne had previously worn Philadelphia colors during the end of the 2023-2024 season, where he impressed with his energy and offensive impact. « He’s so positive, » Tyrese Maxey said at the time. « Everyone says I’m positive, but he’s extremely positive. He’s jumping around everywhere, having a blast. He makes you want to get on the court and really compete with your brothers. »
Cameron Payne Exercising NBA Out With Partizan To Sign With Sixers https://t.co/GOD9q34OUb
— RealGM (@RealGM) February 16, 2026
Jabari Walker Rewarded with Two-Year Contract
Alongside Payne’s return, the Sixers have converted Jabari Walker’s two-way contract to a two-year standard contract. The 23-year-old power forward had reached the limit of games allowed under his two-way status and had been inactive since February 3rd.
Walker has played 45 games this season, starting six times, averaging 3.7 points and 3.1 rebounds in 12.1 minutes per game. Despite modest three-point shooting statistics (27%), the player has proven valuable with his defensive intensity and rebounding impact.
The Philadelphia 76ers intend to sign forward Jabari Walker to a new two-year contract, sources tell ESPN. 76ers and Klutch Sports’ Rich Paul and Anthony Fields negotiated the new deal for Walker, who earned a rotation role after maxing out the games allowed on his two-way deal. pic.twitter.com/1f0Qcxwiv6
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 16, 2026
These two signings allow the Sixers to complete their roster at 15 players under standard contracts following the departures of Jared McCain (traded to Oklahoma City Thunder) and Eric Gordon (transferred to Memphis). With Maxey leading the NBA in minutes played and a backcourt weakened by recent injuries, Payne’s contribution should provide relief to Nick Nurse’s rotation.
The opening of a two-way spot following Walker’s promotion is expected to be filled by Tyrese Martin, a former Brooklyn Nets player recently released. These moves are part of the Sixers’ strategy to strengthen their roster depth ahead of the playoffs, as the team holds a record of 30 wins and 24 losses.
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