The Sacramento Kings signed Elfrid Payton, the former 10th overall pick, to return to the NBA.

September 21st - According to HoopsHype reporter Michael Scotto , the Sacramento Kings have reached a signing agreement with free agent Elfrid Payton. Payton's agent, Darrell Comer , senior vice president of CSE Talent , confirmed the news. Payton will compete for a roster spot during training camp and preseason.

Payton was the 10th overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft . Last season, he played for the New Orleans Pelicans and Charlotte Hornets, appearing in 24 games and averaging 3.5 points, 6.9 assists, and 3.3 rebounds. Prior to this, Payton played in the Puerto Rican League and the NBA G League for two consecutive seasons. In the 2023-24 season, he led the G League in assists and was named to the All-G League Third Team.

During his college years, Payton played for the University of Louisiana Lafayette. After three seasons, he entered the NBA draft and was selected by the Orlando Magic. In his rookie season, he averaged 8.9 points and 6.5 assists per game and was named to the All-Rookie First Team, gradually becoming an important player for the Magic.

The 2017-18 season was Payton's last with the Magic, where he averaged 13.0 points and 6.3 assists per game before being traded to the Phoenix Suns before the trade deadline. He then signed with the New Orleans Pelicans, playing for his hometown team in the 2018-19 season. During his career, Payton also played for the New York Knicks.

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