Now Payne is vying for time in what could be a crowded back-court, particularly off the bench. Payne is a high-energy reserve guard with a knack for scoring. His experience will presumably give him the edge to make Tom Thibodeau's rotation.

At one point, those stars were thought to be Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges. Since the trade of Karl-Anthony Towns, though the reality is that New York's playoff hopes will hinge now on how far Brunson and Towns work together.

The Knicks’ blockbuster trade for Karl-Anthony Towns brings some bittersweet feelings for star point guard Jalen Brunson.