Having been sent from Orlando to Phoenix at this season’s trade deadline, Elfrid Payton has enjoyed his time with the Suns so far, according to Scott Bordow of The Arizona Republic, who says Payton likes his teammates and the city, and believes the club will be a winner soon.
“I think they have a chance to be really good, especially in the near future,” Payton said. “So I would love to be here.”
However, even though the Suns surrendered a second-round pick for Payton in that deadline deal, there’s no guarantee that the franchise will invest in the point guard beyond this season, says Bordow. The 24-year-old will be eligible for restricted free agency in the offseason, giving Phoenix the opportunity to match any offer he receives, but it’s unclear whether the team will do so, according to Bordow.
Payton got off to a fast start with the Suns, averaging 16.4 PPG, 8.2 APG, and 8.0 RPG with a pair of triple-doubles during his first nine games with the team. However, he has posted just 8.3 PPG, 4.4 APG, and 2.9 RPG with poor shooting numbers in seven games since then.
Additionally, even when Payton was posting those impressive counting stats, the advanced numbers suggested that he was struggling on both ends of the court. In nearly 500 minutes with Payton on the floor so far, the Suns have a -17.8 net rating — they’ve been worse on both offense (97.4 rating) and defense (115.1) when he plays, per NBA.com.
As Bordow notes, the Suns expect veteran point guard Brandon Knight to be healthy and have a role next season. Phoenix will also likely hold multiple first-round picks in this year’s draft, putting the team in a good position to draft a point guard. If the Suns go that route, there may not be a clear-cut role for Payton that would make it worth investing in a new deal for him.
Plenty can change between now and July, so we’ll wait to see how Payton’s free agency plays out, whether that means remaining in Phoenix or joining his third team of 2018. For his part, the former lottery pick is trying to avoid dwelling on his uncertain future.
“It can be a stressful time, but I’m in a good place,” Payton said, per Bordow. “I’m going to work on everything and whatever happens for me, happens for me.”
He would come cheap but he’s not elevating Phoenix anywhere and I am starting to have questions about Booker as a franchise player, he’s nothing to gloss at on the defensive end and not a James Harden like talent to pay max money to. I think who they really should focus on building with is Josh Jackson, trade Devin Booker for Andrew Wiggins and draft Ayton.
Payton-Wiggins-Jackson-Bender-Ayton
Gives hem an athletic lineup with untapped talent. Wiggins and Jackson can be everything Vince and T-Mac were supposed to be in Toronto and Phoenix would be a powerhouse within 2 years.
Just curious … why do you think the Wolves would deal Wiggins for Booker? As a Wolves fan I’d much rather have Wiggins … and I like Booker
Both of you are crazy. I like you… but you’re crazy.
Fit, Booker’s game is predicated on shooting and not being so ball dominant. Wiggins and Butler just aren’t a good mix since both aren’t superb floor spacers and then you add in Towns and Teague who aren’t marksmen either and you have a stagnant offense. Booker would make life a whole lot easier for Butler and Towns, because for this Minnesota experiment to work with Wiggins,Butler, and Towns Wiggins has to be a floor spacer which is not his forte.
Why wouldn’t the Wolves deal Wiggins for Booker? Booker is a much better shooter, scorer, and playmaker
Better scorer? Idk, on isolation I’d probably side with Wiggins we just haven’t seen the whole arsenal since he can’t have the ball in his hands as much. Put him alongside Jackson and I guarantee you the Suns are in the playoffs next season.
The new Phoenix lineup would have Bender as the best 3pt shooter and a backcourt of players who’ve been net negatives for their career. Plus, if Booker isn’t worth max money, why would you trade him for Wiggins who’s worse and is being paid max money right now? The trade makes no sense for Phoenix and would set their rebuild back another couple of years
I don’t think it will. Josh Jackson has leader intangibles and would unlock Wiggins potential if they play alongside each other. Wiggins just isn’t in the right scenery right now, Minnesota needs him to be a knock down shooter and that is not his strength.
come back to orlando.. dj and mack is not the answer
Whoever signs him should make him cut his hair. His current hairstyle has failed.