Suns acquire point guard Elfrid Payton from Magic
PHOENIX (AP) The Phoenix Suns acquired point guard Elfrid Payton from the Orlando Magic on Thursday for a second-round pick this summer.
Payton is averaging a career-high 13.0 points and shooting career bests of 52.0 percent from the field and 37.3 percent from 3-point range this season. He also is averaging 6.3 assists and 4.0 rebounds.
''We are excited to add a player of Elfrid's caliber to our young core,'' Suns general manager Ryan McDonough said a team release. ''Elfrid is an athletic point guard who has good size, length and a feel for the game. We think he'll be a great fit with our team.''
Payton is in his fourth NBA season.
The pick sent to Orlando was secured by the Suns along with guard Troy Daniels in a deal with the Grizzlies in September.
To make room for Payton, the Suns waived injured guard Isaiah Canaan. He broke his left ankle Jan. 1 and had surgery Feb. 1.
''We still consider Isaiah to be a member of the Phoenix Suns family,'' McDonough said. ''In speaking with Isaiah and his agent, we are fully committed to doing everything we can to help him with his rehab and recovery from his injury. This move is being made strictly to create a roster spot with Isaiah being out for the remainder of the season.''
