The Chicago Bulls on Wednesday recalled guard Cameron Payne from the Windy City Bulls of the NBA Development League. Payne has appeared in 29 games combined this season with Chicago and the Oklahoma City Thunder. He is averaging 6.0 assists in nine games with the Bulls.A first-round pick of the Thunder (No. 14 overall) in 2015, Payne is coming off a big game with Windy City on Tuesday night, scoring 22 points to go along with six rebounds and six assists.

LeBron James averaged 35.6 minutes per game last season, a career-low, and if Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue gets his way, James could play even less this season.James, 31, played 39.1 minutes per game in the playoffs. Lue said effectiveness is not the concern, rather longevity and stamina into the summer months when the NBA Finals wrap up. To be in position to defend the NBA title, Cleveland is carving a detailed plan for James to get plenty of rest."I've looked at the schedule," Lue said. "Just seeing what makes sense and what's smart when playing four-in-five type of nights. Can't run our guys into the ground. We have to be smart, understand we have to take care of our bodies and take care of our key guys. Make sure that when we get to the playoffs we're ready to go."The Cavaliers don't actually play four games in five nights at any juncture of their 82-game schedule. However, they do play five games in seven nights twice this season, including Dec. 20-26. Whether James will sit for the... [More]

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cameron Payne sustained an acute fracture in his right foot in the team's open scrimmage, the team announced on Thursday.Payne is expected to visit his physician and additional specialists to determine his next course of action. Payne, 22, underwent surgery in late July on his right foot to repair a Jones fracture and was cleared to return for training camp.The 14th overall selection of the 2015 NBA draft, Payne averaged 5.0 points, 1.9 assists and 1.5 rebounds in 57 games during his rookie season.With Payne on the mend, veteran Ronnie Price is expected to serve as the primary backup to superstar Russell Westbrook.