New Orleans Pelicans Re-sign Elfrid Payton to 10-Day Contract

NEW ORLEANS, La. – The New Orleans Pelicans announced today that they have signed guard Elfrid Payton to a second 10-day contract as the team looks to enhance its roster depth. The contract details remain undisclosed per team policy.

Payton, a 6-foot-4, 202-pound guard, has made a notable impact in his recent stint with the Pelicans. The 31-year-old has appeared in a total of 517 NBA games over nine seasons with teams including Orlando, Phoenix, New Orleans, New York, and Charlotte. Selected as the 10th overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, he boasts career averages of 9.9 points, 5.7 assists, and 4.0 rebounds.

Since the beginning of the current season, Payton has played in 17 games across both New Orleans and Charlotte, averaging 3.8 points, 5.8 assists, and 3.0 rebounds per game in 20.4 minutes. During his first contract with the Pelicans, which began on March 21, he showed promise by recording 14 assists in a game against the Philadelphia 76ers, and 10 against the Golden State Warriors.

“Anytime I can put on this jersey, it feels good,” Payton said after signing his first contract. His performances have drawn the attention of Pelicans head coach Willie Green, who praised Payton’s playmaking abilities, saying, “There is no way he shouldn’t be on a roster. He can pass the ball. He’s an excellent defender and floor leader.”

Payton’s recent statistics reflect his significant contributions on the court, as he averaged 10 assists over his last three games leading up to Wednesday’s matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers. His record of 21 assists earlier this season against the Indiana Pacers marks a notable accomplishment, being the second-most assists recorded by a Pelicans player in franchise history.

The financial aspect of Payton’s new contract sees him earning $171,756, consistent with previous 10-day deals. The Pelicans will incur a cap charge of $119,972, but they will return to a full roster now that the contract is signed. If finalized in time, Payton could appear in up to six games before the contract lapses on April 11.

Should the Pelicans decide to retain Payton for their final game of the season on April 13, a standard contract will need to be agreed upon.

“I love being here,” Payton expressed regarding his time with New Orleans. “This is the best thing ever. I grew up less than 10 minutes from here. Anytime I can be playing here, it’s love.”