The New York Knicks were needy at the point guard spot before, but the position is now getting pretty crowded following the arrival of Derrick Rose. Multiple reports say this will result in several exits, and Elfrid Payton might be the first one to go.
SNY’s Ian Begley recently recapped the Knicks’ recent activity on the trade market and said that sources close to the organization told him that Payton is receiving serious interest. According to Begley, at least one playoff team already reached out to explore the availability for the 26-year-old guard.
Payton is enjoying a solid season in his second year in a Knicks jersey, starting 25 games and averaging 11.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists. However, he is expected to drop down the pecking order in favor of Rose and standout rookie Immanuel Quickley, so the Knicks should act while he’s in demand.
It is unclear what New York could get back in return for Payton, especially since he is on an expiring contract. But a team in a playoff hunt looking for a defensive-minded playmaker could easily give up a second-rounder or two, which should be enough for the Knicks to let him go.
Elfrid Payton entered the league in 2014 as the Philadelphia 76ers’ No. 10 pick but ended up being traded to the Orlando Magic on draft night. He spent four years with the Magic and also played with Phoenix Suns and New Orleans Pelicans before coming to New York.
