Ahead of the 3 p.m. trade deadline, the Orlando Magic made just one move. The Magic sent point guard Elfrid Payton to the Phoenix Suns for a second-round pick in the 2018 draft.
The trade was first reported by ESPN and then confirmed by the Orlando Sentinel.
Payton, who is due to become a restricted free agent at the end of this season, is averaging a career-high in points per game (13.0) and is averaging a career-high in field-goal percentage (52 percent). Though he’s shooting a career-high 37.3 percent from 3, his perimeter game leaves a lot to be desired.
Per Josh Robbins of the Sentinel, the Magic have acquired the second-best pick of the Charlotte Hornets’, Memphis Grizzlies’ and Miami Heats’ second-round picks. If the standings hold, the Magic’s new pick would be the 41st pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. The Magic have played 53 games, so far, this season.
D.J. Augustin will start against the Atlanta Hawks Thursday night, head coach Frank Vogel said during pre-game interviews. Augustin is averaging 8.6 points per game in his second season with Orlando. He’s started seven of his 46 appearances, so far, this year.
For more on the Magic, as they continue their 2018 campaign without Payton, follow Victor Tan on Twitter at @NDR_VictorTan.
To contact Victor, you can email him at vtan@newdayreview.com.
[…] Fla. – Hours before the Orlando Magic hosted the Atlanta Hawks, Orlando executed one trade before the 3 p.m. trade deadline. Former starting point guard Elfrid Payton was on his way to the […]
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