Hornets Add Veteran Guard Elfrid Payton on 10-Day Contract
The Charlotte Hornets have announced the signing of free agent guard Elfrid Payton to a 10-day contract, according to Hornets President of Basketball Operations Jeff Peterson. Per team policy, the terms of the deal have not been disclosed.
Payton, a nine-year NBA veteran, has most recently played for the New Orleans Pelicans, appearing in seven games (three starts) this season. In those appearances, he averaged 6.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, 6.9 assists, and 1.4 steals in 20.6 minutes per game.
His standout moment this season came on November 25, when he recorded a career-high 21 assists against the Indiana Pacers, the second-most assists in a game this year (only Trae Young had more with 22).
Over the course of his career, Payton has played for the Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, New York Knicks, and Pelicans. In 507 games (398 starts), the Louisiana-Lafayette product has averaged 10.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 1.2 steals per game.
Payton was selected 10th overall in the 2014 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers before being traded to Orlando, where he began his professional career.
The Hornets hope Payton can provide added depth and experience to their backcourt as the team continues to push through the second half of the 2024-25 season.
