Pelicans Waiving Elfrid Payton, Making Homecoming Short But Sweet

The Pelicans are waiving veteran guard Elfrid Payton, per Shams Charania of ESPN, and it feels like the end of a short-but-sweet homecoming story in New Orleans.

Payton, a Louisiana native, went from grinding it out in Puerto Rico and the G League to starting for his hometown team this fall.

He even turned back the clock in his third game, dropping a 14-point, 21-assist, seven-rebound masterpiece. It was the kind of performance that had fans rooting for the comeback to stick.

But as they say, timing is everything. The Pelicans are finally getting healthier, with Dejounte Murray and CJ McCollum back in action. That meant a diminished role for Payton—just six minutes of court time in Monday’s loss to Atlanta. 

And with Brandon Ingram and Herb Jones expected back this week, according to Charania, Payton’s spot was always going to be on thin ice.

It’s not just about basketball, though. The Pelicans are flirting with the luxury tax line, and shedding Payton’s non-guaranteed deal helps.

By waiving him, they trim their cap charge to $274,809 and bring themselves within $1.4 million of getting out of tax territory entirely.

Financially, it’s a no-brainer, especially if they’re eyeing a tax-friendly trade down the line.

Still, it stings a bit. Payton’s return felt like one of those rare feel-good NBA moments. But for New Orleans, the focus is clear — stay competitive, stay healthy, and stay under the tax.

Payton’s effort won’t be forgotten, but in the business of basketball, sentiment only gets you so far. Let’s see if another team gives him a look.