Signing Elfrid Payton
New Orleans was able to sign Louisiana native Elfrid Payton to a one-year deal worth $2.7 million, per ESPN’s Zach Lowe. Payton spent time with the Orlando Magic and Phoenix Suns last season.
Payton’s game is very similar to that of Pelicans point guard Rajon Rondo, who signed with the Los Angeles Lakers. He’s a solid ball-handler and an active rebounder, averaging 6.2 assists and 5.3 rebounds per game with the Suns.
However, he’s a career 29.8 percent 3-point shooter and can not stretch the floor.
Another benefit for the Pelicans is that they are getting Payton post-haircut. His hair obstructed his vision and ultimately hindered his game, complicating simple plays.
Payton lacks Rondo’s playoff pedigree, but he’s also never played with a player like Anthony Davis so he’ll benefit playing alongside him in his homecoming season.
Since his deal is only for one season, it also makes him a low-risk, high-reward type player. If the season doesn’t go as planned, the Pelicans can try to move him for some younger assets or simply let him walk in free agency.
Grade: B+