The Orlando Magic have traded starting point guard Elfrid Payton to the Phoenix Suns for a 2018 second-round pick, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and several other media outlets.
The pick will be the second-most favorable pick between the Memphis Grizzlies, Charlotte Hornets and Miami Heat pick in the second round this year, according to Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel.
Payton has been playing his best in 2018 with career-highs in points per game (13.0) and effective field goal percentage (54.7 percent). Known most for his unique hairstyle, Payton has been one of Orlando’s most consistent contributors on offense.
"The starting unit with Elfrid Payton last year was one of the best in the league and showed a lot of really good signs early in this season before Elfrid went down. I don't want to say, 'I just want to see what that looks like.' I think that's going to be a good lineup for us, and my anticipation is that we stay with that lineup."
Magic president Jeff Weltman, who was hired last May, is in the process of trying to build the team back into a playoff contender in the Eastern Conference.
After a promising 8-4 start this season, the Magic have bottomed out with just nine wins in their last 41 games and own the Eastern Conference's second-worst record (17-36).
With Payton able to receive a qualifying offer next season, Orlando's front office had to make a decision about its long-term future. The decision to move him now is a clear indication the Magic are undertaking another rebuild to add assets that will expedite the process.
Late last week, Payton said he wasn’t concerned about a potential trade because of his faith and his desire to keep his focus on the present.
"I always say that God’s got me, so whatever happens, it’s meant to happen,’’ said Payton following Orlando’s loss to Washington last Saturday. ``Whatever is for me is for me and it doesn’t concern me at all. As long as I’m here (in Orlando), I’m going to give 100 percent here until they say, `It’s time to go,’ or whatever.’’
Mario Hezonja, Payton’s best friend on the team for the much of the past three seasons, said Thursday was a sad day in that his buddy was traded. However, he is happy for Payton in the sense that he should receive more playing time that could garner him a bigger payday in the offseason.
