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Pelicans Re-Sign Elfrid Payton to Second 10-Day Contract
about 1 year agoUS
The New Orleans Pelicans have officially signed veteran point guard Elfrid Payton to a second 10-day contract, keeping him with the team as they navigate the final stretch of the regular season. Payton recently completed his first 10-day stint, showcasing his playmaking abilities.
Key Insights
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Contract Details: Payton signed his second 10-day deal, officially announced on April 2nd, 2025. His first contract expired on March 31st.
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Recent Performance: In his last three games under the previous contract, Payton distributed 14, 10, and 6 assists respectively, carving out a role in the rotation.
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Season Snapshot: Across 17 games this season (including stints with Charlotte), Payton is averaging 3.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 5.8 assists in about 20 minutes per game, though his shooting percentages have been low.
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Team Context: The Pelicans, despite recent wins, are looking towards the end of a challenging season and are evaluating players.
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Why this matters: This signing provides the Pelicans with needed point guard depth for their remaining games and gives Payton another opportunity to demonstrate his value, potentially securing a longer-term role or future considerations.
In-Depth Analysis
Elfrid Payton, a former top-10 draft pick, rejoined the Pelicans after initially being with the team on a non-guaranteed deal earlier in the season and signing two 10-day contracts with the Charlotte Hornets in February. His return on a 10-day contract in late March saw him quickly integrate into the team's bench unit, primarily as a facilitator. His high-assist games against teams like the 76ers and Warriors highlighted his court vision and passing skills, valuable assets even for a team out of playoff contention.
A 10-day contract allows NBA teams flexibility to fill roster spots temporarily due to injuries or to evaluate talent without a long-term commitment. Payton's second 10-day deal will earn him $171,756 with a $119,972 cap hit for the Pelicans. This contract will cover the team's next several games. If the Pelicans wish to retain Payton for their final game of the season on April 13th, they will need to sign him to a standard contract for the remainder of the season once this second 10-day deal expires on April 11th (assuming it started April 2nd).
FAQs
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Q: What exactly is a 10-day contract in the NBA?
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A: It's a short-term contract lasting for 10 days or three team games, whichever is longer. A player can sign a maximum of two 10-day contracts with the same team in one season; after that, the team must sign them for the rest of the season or release them.
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Q: Why did the Pelicans bring Payton back again?
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A: Payton provides experienced depth at the point guard position and has shown good playmaking ability recently. It allows the team to fill a roster spot and evaluate his fit during the final games.
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Q: Could Payton remain with the Pelicans after this contract?
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A: Yes, if the Pelicans choose, they can sign him to a standard contract covering the rest of the season after this second 10-day deal expires.
Key Takeaways
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Veteran Elfrid Payton gets another chance to contribute and prove his worth in the NBA.
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The Pelicans add experienced playmaking depth as they finish their regular season schedule.
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This move highlights how teams utilize 10-day contracts late in the season for flexibility and evaluation.
Discussion
Payton has shown flashes of his playmaking skills. Do you think he can secure a spot for the rest of the season or potentially next year? Let us know your thoughts!
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Sources & References
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