Former Magic coach Scott Skiles gave up on Elfrid Payton. Former Orlando general manager Rob Hennigan, who believed in Payton, got fired. And now Hennigan’s successor, Jeff Weltman, has given up on Payton.
Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN:
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
This is a tremendous buy-low move by the Suns at a position of need. Brandon Knight’s ghost wasn’t getting the job done at point guard. Payton might.
The 23-year-old has shown promise, but his clunky outside shot is a severe limitation. Still, his defense and penetrating ability could complement franchise player Devin Booker in the backcourt.
Orlando clearly didn’t want to pay Payton in restricted free agency next summer. Better to get a second-rounder for him now rather than just let him walk for nothing.
