Veteran point guard Elfrid Payton has signed a second 10-day contract with the Charlotte Hornets following the expiration of his first deal earlier this week, agent Darrell Comer told NBA insider Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
Payton, 30, initially joined the Hornets on a 10-day contract after the team faced a shortage at point guard, exacerbated by injuries to LaMelo Ball, Tre Mann, and the recent trade of Vasilije Micic to Phoenix.
In his first stint with Charlotte, Payton appeared in two games, averaging 2.0 points, 5.5 assists, and 2.5 rebounds in 27.5 minutes per game.
Payton, the No. 10 overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, also spent time with the New Orleans Pelicans earlier this season, contributing 6.7 points, 6.9 assists, and 3.4 rebounds in seven games.
The Hornets are currently carrying a full 15-man roster but can add Payton under the NBA’s hardship exception due to extended injuries affecting Mann, Brandon Miller, Grant Williams, and Josh Okogie. This exception allows teams to temporarily exceed the standard roster limit.
Payton’s second 10-day contract will see him earn a salary of $171,756, with a cap hit of $119,972 for Charlotte.
The Hornets have several back-to-back games in the next 10 days, meaning Payton could appear in up to six games during this period if he officially signs early this week.
After the second 10-day deal expires, Payton will not be eligible for a third contract with Charlotte, according to NBA rules.
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