The New Orleans Pelicans have officially re-signed veteran point guard Elfrid Payton to a standard NBA contract, according to a team press release.
His second 10-day deal with the team was set to expire late Friday night, but instead of letting it run out, the Pelicans opted to end it a day early to sign him to a rest-of-season contract.
This move makes Payton eligible to suit up for Sunday’s regular season finale against the Thunder. Payton, a Louisiana native and former Ragin’ Cajuns standout, has played nine seasons in the NBA.
Before this season, he spent two years in the G League before being invited to Pelicans training camp last fall. Although he was waived shortly after, he later joined the Hornets on two 10-day hardship contracts in February.
New Orleans brought him back in March, first on a 10-day deal, then re-signed him for a second 10-day stint on April 2. Since teams can’t offer a player a third 10-day contract, the Pelicans moved to sign him for the remainder of the season.
While Payton has struggled offensively this season – averaging just 3.5 points per game on 33.9% shooting across 22 total appearances with Charlotte and New Orleans – he’s contributed in other ways.
The 31-year-old has posted four straight games with 10 or more assists and is averaging 6.8 assists, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in just over 21 minutes per game.
The Pelicans had one open spot on their standard 15-man roster, so no corresponding move was needed to bring Payton aboard.
Pelicans Re-Sign Elfrid Payton https://t.co/gkh6zoW6Fh pic.twitter.com/SIz5OOJmaW
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) April 11, 2025
