Former Indiana Pacers guard Elfrid Payton re-signs with past team

Arguably one of the most forgotten stints among any player in the history of the Indiana Pacers organization, the team signed Elfrid Payton around this time last year. Payton, then 29 years old, was brought in around the beginning of training camp to potentially be a backup guard on the roster.

Ultimately, the Pacers waived Payton before he could ever play a game for the team. He did, however, spend the entire 2023-24 season with the Pacers' G League affiliate, the Mad Ants. On the year, Payton averaged 11.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, 9 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. Payton also shot 45% from the floor.

Furthermore, Payton was named to the All-NBA G League Third Team, alongside NBA champion JD Davison and G League champion Jahmi'us Ramsey.

After one full season in the Pacers organization, however, the former lottery pick has reportedly signed with a new team, officially ending his time with the team.

Former Pacers guard Elfrid Payton will reportedly return to the New Orleans Pelicans

According to ESPN's Andrew Lopez, Payton recently signed with the New Orleans Pelicans on a training camp deal. The Louisiana native played for the Pelicans from 2018-19.

As is the case for most players who sign training camp deals at this point in the year, Payton is unlikely to make the Pelicans roster. He is, however, a candidate to be waived following training camp and play in the G League.

Though it was just a stint in the G League, Payton showed that he still has a lot of talent and may deserve a spot on an NBA roster again last season.

Payton last appeared in an NBA game in 2022 as a member of the Phoenix Suns. He may not be the same player he was entering the NBA Draft in 2014, but Payton is still a very well-rounded player with a veteran presence. As it currently stands, it is highly unlikely Payton ever would have earned that opportunity if he came back to the Pacers organization.

The Pacers have many strengths on the roster, but by far their biggest is their backcourt. Led by Tyrese Haliburton and Andrew Nembhard, the Pacers' starting guard positions are locked in. Additionally, with the team extended backup point guard T.J. McConnell to a long-term deal, it is safe to assume he is going to stick around for a while.

Ultimately, Payton's best move to continue his NBA career was to move on from the Pacers organization. Now that he has done exactly that, the guard has the opportunity to make his presence felt on an NBA court once again.