The Phoenix Suns have agreed to a one-year deal with New York Knicks point guard Elfrid Payton. He will play alongside Cameron Payne as Chris Paul’s backup and potential fill-in if the veteran is injured or resting during the season. This is Payton’s second stint with the Phoenix Suns franchise. Payton has carved out a role in the NBA as a gritty veteran point guard that can provide impact minutes in the rotation. The guard rotation is a little crowded, but the NBA journeyman hopes to crack the rotation.
Free agent guard Elfrid Payton has agreed to a one-year deal with the Phoenix Suns, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 10, 2021
The Suns are looking to get back to the NBA Finals this year after coming up just two games short of a championship this past season. They have slightly retooled the roster, but are mostly running it back in a tough Western Conference. Chris Paul returned to the team on a new deal and is eager to try and win his first-ever NBA Championship. The hope is bringing in a guy like Payton can give them the extra edge they need to win it all. His defensive edge should help him crack the Suns’ rotation this year. The playmaking he posses fits perfectly with the team’s shooters.
Elfrid Payton with the nasty crossover ?pic.twitter.com/4hsWbLHBJ5
— Def Pen Hoops (@DefPenHoops) March 5, 2020
Last year with the Knicks he averaged 10.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game. He shot 43.2 percent from the field and a less than stellar 28.6 percent from the three-point line. The Suns are stacked with great shooters and Payton is there to provide great defense and above-average playmaking. This could be an ideal fit for a team looking to capture an NBA Championship.
