Sources: Pelicans Sign Elfrid Payton to Training Camp Contract

The New Orleans Pelicans are set to sign veteran guard Elfrid Payton to a training camp deal, sources informed ESPN on Thursday afternoon.

At 30 years old, Payton hails from the New Orleans area and played college basketball at the University of Louisiana, just a two-hour drive away. His last NBA appearance was during the 2021-22 season with the Phoenix Suns, and he spent last season with the G League’s Indiana Mad Ants.

Payton previously played for the Pelicans during the 2018-19 season, where he had one of his best years, averaging 10.6 points along with career highs of 7.6 assists and 5.2 rebounds per game. He also recorded consecutive triple-doubles towards the end of that season.

Additionally, guard Izaiah Brockington is expected to join the Pelicans on a camp deal. Brockington appeared in one game for the Pelicans last season and spent time with the Birmingham Squadron, the team's G League affiliate, as well as participating in the New Orleans summer league.

The Pelicans are holding their training camp in Nashville this year due to ongoing renovations at their practice facility in Metairie, Louisiana. Payton's and Brockington's contracts were negotiated by agents Darrell Comer and Jim Tanner from Tandem Sports + Entertainment.