The New Orleans Pelicans adjusted their roster before beginning the 2024-25 campaign.

On Wednesday, the organization waived a former lottery pick seeking an NBA comeback.

“The New Orleans Pelicans announced today that the team has waived Keion Brooks Jr., Trhae Mitchell, Josh Oduro, and Elfrid Payton,” the NBA reported Wednesday. “New Orleans’ roster now stands at 17, including three two-way players.”

Last season, Payton competed with the Indiana Mad Ants in the NBA G league. 

Payton began his NBA career with the Orlando Magic in 2014 after getting traded to the franchise on draft night. In Year 1, Payton averaged 8.9 points and 6.5 assists per contest, earning a spot on the NBA All-Rookie first team. 

The Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year averaged double-digit points and handed out six dimes per game with the Magic the following two and a half seasons, but Orlando traded the 6-foot-3 guard to the Phoenix Suns in February of 2018. In 19 games with the Suns, Payton recorded 11.8 points and 6.2 assists per contest. 

During the 2018 free agency period, Payton signed a one-year deal with the Pelicans. He appeared in 42 games with the organization before searching for a new home.

In July of 2019, Payton inked a two-year deal with the New York Knicks. Despite being a solid contributor in New York, the franchise let him walk at the end of the 2020-21 season. 

Payton agreed to sign with the Phoenix Suns in August of 2021, but predictably, the Gretna, Louisiana native’s stint with the franchise didn’t last long. He played 50 games with the Suns during the 2021-22 season and only averaged 11 minutes of action per contest. 

Since 2022, Payton has participated in the G league and Balencesto Superior Nacional. 

Payton may not suit up for an NBA franchise this season, but at age 30, it’s too early to rule out an NBA return for the 2024 G league assists leader. 

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