SUNS PILFER POINT GUARD PAYTON FROM SUNS
The Phoenix Suns acquired guard Elfrid Payton from the Orlando Magic for a second-round draft pick in 2018.
What does it give the Phoenix Suns
This trade might be the Suns' redemption for the woefully one-sided deal they made earlier this season (sending star Eric Bledsoe to Milwaukee and getting little in return). Payton has the tools to be Phoenix's point guard of the present and future; and while he might not be as talented as Bledsoe, he has the tools to possibly be an above-average NBA starter and even a star. That said, he's also a free agent after this season so the Suns need to re-sign him for this to be worthwhile.
What does it give the Orlando Magic
It's now clear the Magic didn't see Payton as their point guard of the future. Despite occasional flashes of stellar ability, Payton was streaky in his three-plus seasons with Orlando. He didn't show a lot of development in any major area over that time, and with his free agency pending the Magic got something in return for him here (rather than risking getting nothing this off-season). Expect Orlando to draft a point guard early in this year's draft.
Fantasy impact
Veteran Magic point guard D.J. Augustin is now a pickup must in any fantasy league where he's available. Augustin takes over at the point for Orlando (replacing Payton), and he should put up above-average fantasy numbers the rest of this season. Payton's fantasy forecast stays pretty much the same; he will probably still be a starting point guard on a struggling team (except now with Phoenix instead of Orlando). His arrival probably lessens the fantasy appeal of Phoenix teammates Josh Jackson and Tyler Ulis, whom both look set for decreased roles down the stretch.
