The Orlando Magic have traded point guard Elfrid Payton, 23, to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for the Memphis Grizzlies‘ 2018 second-round pick. Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN was first to break the news:
Orlando has traded Elfrid Payton to Phoenix for a second-round pick, league source tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 8, 2018
Phoenix is sending a 2018 second-round pick via Memphis to Orlando in the Payton deal, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 8, 2018
Orlando Magic Trade Elfrid Payton to Phoenix Suns
Payton was struggling to play to the needs he was drafted for by the Magic. Payton was on the last year of his contract. Orlando could have chosen to extend him before the start of the season. The Magic decided not to extend Payton’s contract beyond this season. Payton is currently on his rookie contract.
Payton, in his fourth season, can provide the Suns above-average passing skills and the ability to get in the lane. Payton can be a good playmaking guard who can score inside.
The Suns have been experimenting with Devin Booker at point guard after waiving Mike James and moving Tyler Ulis to the bench. This trade may or may not mean the Suns are done experimenting with Booker at point guard.
The 6-foot-4-inch point guard is averaging about 13 points and six assists per game this season. Orlando’s now-former point guard is also shooting 52 percent from the field.
The Louisiana-born point guard was initially drafted for his defensive abilities but he’s been a disappointment in that area. His sub-par shooting has kept him from becoming a cornerstone player. However, Payton has the potential to become a decent starting point guard in the NBA.
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