ESPN NBA Insider Shams Charania reported earlier today that the New Orleans Pelicans waived Guard Elfrid Payton. He had a seven-game stint with the Pelicans this season and averaged 6.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 6.9 assists. Payton’s performance did not lead to on-court success for the team as they were 0-7 in the games he played. Which team will Payton sign with next?
Elfrid Payton Season Summary
The New Orleans Pelicans are waiving guard Elfrid Payton, sources tell ESPN. Payton averaged 6.7 points, 6.9 assists and 3.4 rebounds in seven games for the Pelicans — including a 14-point, 21-assist performance on Nov. 25.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 3, 2024
He was drafted No. 10 overall in the 2014 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. He was then traded to the Orlando Magic on draft night. His career has also included stints with the Phoenix Suns, New Orleans Pelicans, New York Knicks, and Phoenix Suns. He was out of the NBA for the past two seasons before signing with the Pelicans earlier this season. He received a training camp invite from the team and was included on the active roster as the Pelicans injuries mounted.
He made the All-Rookie Team in 2014-15 and finished fourth in Rookie of the Year voting that season. Andrew Wiggins won the award that season. Payton is a career 10-point-per-game scorer with 4 rebounds per game and 5.7 assists.
Final Thoughts
It is unclear what team the veteran will sign with next, but he can provide a veteran presence to whomever his next team is. He is only 30, and showed during his stint with the Pelicans, he can still be a solid player.
