76ers Reportedly Add Veteran NBA PG, Sign PF to New 2-Way Contract Ahead of 2nd Half of Season

The Philadelphia 76ers reportedly are converting two-way power forward Jabari Walker to a standard, two-way contract and will also sign veteran point guard Cam Payne "for the rest of the season in the coming days," according to ESPN's Shams Charania.

Signing Walker to a standard contract seemed like an inevitability, with the young forward out of NBA games he could play on his two-way deal. The Sixers previously converted fellow power forward Dominick Barlow to a standard contract as well.

Walker, 23, has averaged 3.7 points and 3.1 rebounds per game in 45 total appearances (six starts), shooting 40.3 percent from the field. He's been asked to play a surprisingly regular role for the Sixers given the team's spate of injuries and Paul George's recent 25-game suspension.

While Barlow has been more of the standout (8.5 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 36 total starts), adding athleticism and energy to Philly's frontcourt, both players have proven to be important depth pieces for the Sixers. It seemed inevitable that both would be converted to standard deals.

Payne, 31, has been playing for Partizan Belgrade in the Serbian League this season, averaging 12.4 points and 3.9 assists across 10 games. He appeared in 72 games for the New York Knicks last season, putting up 6.9 points and 2.8 assists per game.

He also played with the Sixers in the 2023-24 season.

"He's so positive," Tyrese Maxey told reporters at the time regarding Payne. "Everybody says I'm positive, but he's extremely positive. He's just jumping around, having a great time. He makes you want to go out there and really compete with your brothers. And he's always vocal on the bench. ... He's always telling everybody, 'Stay aggressive, stay ready, go out there and be who you are.'"

It's unlikely Payne will play a major role in Philadelphia, with Maxey, V.J. Edgecombe and Quentin Grimes getting the majority of the minutes at guard. But with Jared McCain surprisingly traded earlier in February the team had a need for depth at the position and Payne will bring plenty of experience to the gig.