Overview
- The Pacers officially waived the 10-year guard nine days after signing him.
- Payne was added on Oct. 9 following injuries to T. J. McConnell (hamstring) and Delon Wright (head) in the preseason opener.
- He appeared in three preseason games for Indiana, shooting 28.6% with seven assists and six turnovers.
- With Tyrese Haliburton out for the season and McConnell sidelined, Indiana has uncertainty behind starter Andrew Nembhard as rookie Taelon Peter and two-way guard Quenton Jackson are considered short-term options.
- Indiana retained non-guaranteed center depth in Tony Bradley and James Wiseman, and Payne’s non-guaranteed deal means his release carries no cap hit.