Thunderous Intentions
Fansided

7 Players the Oklahoma City Thunder gave up on too soon

By Elaine Blum

CLEVELAND, OHIO - MARCH 15: James Harden #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers brings the ball up court during the first half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on March 15, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - MARCH 15: James Harden #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers brings the ball up court during the first half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on March 15, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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Cameron Payne, OKC Thunder front office mistakes
Cameron Payne (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

5. Cameron Payne

Opinions about Cameron Payne’s potential varied when he was drafted by the Thunder. Entering the league in the Thunder’s Kevin Durant-Russell Westbrook era, Payne did not see much playing time because the team (understandably) had other things on its agenda.

In his sophomore season, Payne’s minutes eventually went up from 12 per game to 16 minutes, but his production did not improve. His point average only went up marginally and his efficiency plummeted to where he was only shooting 33.1 percent on field goals. This is not unusual for a second-year player, but the Thunder decided that the time was up. They sent Payne, along with Anthony Morrow and Joffrey Lauvergne, to Chicago for Taj Gibson, Doug McDermott and a 2018 second round pick.

Payne still struggled in his first season with the Bulls, but since then he has steadily improved. Now, he is the backup point guard on a respected Phoenix Suns team, averaging a solid 11 points and 4.7 assists, proving that he has a lot to offer after all.

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