The Pelicans declined their $3.15 million team option in Payton's contract for 2025-26 on Sunday, Michael Scotto of USA Today reports.

EDGE Analysis

Payton signed a one-year deal with New Orleans in November but was waived in December. He later returned to the team on two 10-day contracts in March and April 2025 before signing another one-year deal that included a team option for a second season. However, the veteran point guard is now expected to explore other opportunities in free agency this offseason. He averaged 3.5 points, 6.9 assists, 3.3 rebounds and 1.0 steals across 24 regular-season appearances (nine starts) between New Orleans and Charlotte last season.

Payton totaled three points (1-5 FG, 1-1 3Pt), three assists, two rebounds and one block across 18 minutes during Sunday's 115-100 loss to the Thunder.

EDGE Analysis

Payton struggled from the field during his limited run in the regular-season finale. The veteran guard is slated to return to the Pelicans next season after signing a two-year contract in April, and he finished the 2024-25 campaign with averages of 3.5 points, 6.9 assists, 3.3 rebounds, 1.0 steals and 0.5 blocks across 21.3 minutes per game in 24 regular-season appearances between New Orleans and Charlotte. Payton also appeared in 14 G League games with the Birmingham Squadron, averaging 7.6 points, 4.6 assists, 4.1 rebounds and 1.1 steals across 22.4 minutes per contest in that span.

Payton finished Friday's 153-104 loss to Miami with four points (2-8 FG), 10 rebounds and 13 assists in 29 minutes.

EDGE Analysis

Payton's season-high 10 rebounds helped him post a rare double-double without scoring at least 10 points in Friday's blowout loss. Due to New Orleans suffering from a long list of injuries, the veteran guard should continue to be heavily featured in New Orleans' backcourt rotation in their regular-season finale against Oklahoma City.

Payton agreed to a standard contract with the Pelicans on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Payton had previously signed a pair of 10-day contracts but now lands a standard deal to stay with the team for the remainder of the season. The Pelicans have been ravaged by injuries, and the veteran journeyman has filled in as needed, making this a sensible move for both sides. In his previous eight appearances, Payton averaged 3.1 points, 10.1 assists and 3.8 rebounds in 23.3 minutes per game.

Payton will start in Thursday's game against Milwaukee.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran point guard will receive the starting nod due to Jose Alvarado (calf) being sidelined. Payton has averaged 2.6 points, 8.4 assists, 3.0 rebounds and 1.2 steals in 22.2 minutes per game over his last five outings (one start).

Payton isn't in the starting five for Tuesday's game versus the Nets.

EDGE Analysis

Jose Alvarado will reclaim his starting spot from Payton against Brooklyn after missing New Orleans' previous contest due to a calf injury. Payton has averaged 2.2 points, 5.7 assists and 2.5 rebounds in 19.5 minutes across his previous 10 appearances coming off the bench.

Payton will start in Sunday's game against the Bucks.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran point guard will return to the starting five due to Jose Alvarado (calf) being sidelined. Payton has averaged 4.0 points, 9.2 assists and 3.6 rebounds across 21.8 minutes per game in his last five outings.

The Pelicans signed Payton to a second 10-day contract Monday, Michael Scotto of USA Today reports.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran point guard made four appearances during his first 10-day deal, averaging 3.0 points, 7.8 assists and 3.5 rebounds across 20.0 minutes per contest. Payton will provide extra depth in the New Orleans backcourt, though he'll likely receive an uptick in playing time if CJ McCollum (foot), Brandon Boston (ankle) and/or Jordan Hawkins (back) remain sidelined.

Payton ended Monday's 112-99 victory over the 76ers with six points (3-8 FG), six rebounds, 14 assists, two blocks and one steal over 25 minutes.

EDGE Analysis

The Pelicans were resting several key players Monday, including CJ McCollum. High assist totals are nothing new for Payton, as he recorded 21 assists back on Nov. 25 of 2024. Payton could earn himself another 10-day contract after this eruption.

Payton and the Pelicans agreed to a 10-day contract Friday, Michael Scotto of USA Today reports.

EDGE Analysis

This will be Payton's second stint with the Pelicans this season. During his first seven games with the franchise, Payton had some success, averaging 6.7 points, 6.9 assists, 3.4 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 2.9 turnovers.