NBA Trade Rumors: More Big Names Recently Added To Block Before Deadline

Elfrid Payton, PG, Orlando Magic

One of the teams most often mentioned by the rumor mill this season has been the Orlando Magic. They’ve been looking to move Serge Ibaka after a poor start to his time with the team, and were recently mentioned as willing to part with several other pieces, according to Kyler.

However, it’s flown a bit under the radar that young point guard Elfrid Payton also appears to be available. According to Sporting News’ Sean Deveney, Payton “could be had, too.”

Even before Frank Vogel landed with the Magic, Payton was seen as a potential trade chip for Orlando. Now with Vogel at the helm, it appears more likely than ever that the former first-round pick is moved.

Although Payton has shown significant progress during his three seasons in the NBA, the former No. 10 overall selection hasn’t quite lived up to the billing. However, a change of scenery may help him unlock the potential that landed him so high in the draft in the first place.

Payton’s third year got off to a rocky start, but has since gotten back on track. If he can keep his arrow pointing upward, the Magic may just convince some team to take the UL-Lafayette product off their hands before the deadline.