Player News

• Elfrid Payton: Team option declined

  06/29/2025 • By RotoWire

  The Pelicans declined their $3.15 million team option in Payton's contract for 2025-26 on Sunday, Michael Scotto of USA Today reports. Payton signed a one-year deal with New Orleans in November but was waived in December. He later returned to the team on two 10-day contracts in March and April 2025 before signing another one-year deal that included a team option for a second season. However, the veteran point guard is now expected to explore other opportunities in free agency this offseason. He averaged 3.5 points, 6.9 assists, 3.3 rebounds and 1.0 steals across 24 regular-season appearances (nine starts) between New Orleans and Charlotte last season.

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• Pelicans' Elfrid Payton: Shooting woes in finale

  04/14/2025 • By RotoWire

  Payton totaled three points (1-5 FG, 1-1 3Pt), three assists, two rebounds and one block across 18 minutes during Sunday's 115-100 loss to the Thunder. Payton struggled from the field during his limited run in the regular-season finale. The veteran guard is slated to return to the Pelicans next season after signing a two-year contract in April, and he finished the 2024-25 campaign with averages of 3.5 points, 6.9 assists, 3.3 rebounds, 1.0 steals and 0.5 blocks across 21.3 minutes per game in 24 regular-season appearances between New Orleans and Charlotte. Payton also appeared in 14 G League games with the Birmingham Squadron, averaging 7.6 points, 4.6 assists, 4.1 rebounds and 1.1 steals across 22.4 minutes per contest in that span.

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• Pelicans' Elfrid Payton: Posts season-high 10 rebounds

  04/12/2025 • By RotoWire

  Payton finished Friday's 153-104 loss to Miami with four points (2-8 FG), 10 rebounds and 13 assists in 29 minutes. Payton's season-high 10 rebounds helped him post a rare double-double without scoring at least 10 points in Friday's blowout loss. Due to New Orleans suffering from a long list of injuries, the veteran guard should continue to be heavily featured in New Orleans' backcourt rotation in the regular-season finale against Oklahoma City.

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• Pelicans' Elfrid Payton: Agrees to standard contract

  04/11/2025 • By RotoWire

  Payton agreed to a standard contract with the Pelicans on Friday. Payton had previously signed a pair of 10-day contracts but now lands a standard deal to stay with the team for the remainder of the season. The Pelicans have been ravaged by injuries, and the veteran journeyman has filled in as needed, making this a sensible move for both sides. In his previous eight appearances, Payton averaged 3.1 points, 10.1 assists and 3.8 rebounds in 23.3 minutes per game.

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• Pelicans' Elfrid Payton: Starting sans Alvarado

  04/10/2025 • By RotoWire

  Payton will start in Thursday's game against Milwaukee. The veteran point guard will receive the starting nod due to Jose Alvarado (calf) being sidelined. Payton has averaged 2.6 points, 8.4 assists, 3.0 rebounds and 1.2 steals in 22.2 minutes per game over his last five outings (one start).

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