Pelicans Free Agency: Which players should New Orleans bring back?

Elfrid Payton – Unrestricted

Should he be brought back?: Yes

It seems like Elfrid Payton probably played himself into a new contract with the New Orleans Pelicans next season, which would be fine with him. A hometown guy and already crowd favorite, Payton has made it clear in recent talk with the media that he loved playing in front of his home state, and he’d like to continue to have the opportunity. The Pelicans probably won’t turn this enthusiasm down.

Elfrid is 25 years old, so he’ll hopefully be in the prime of his career in a few years when the Pelicans’ rebuild has already been established. He’s not a point guard that’s typically going to light up the score board, but he’s a solid floor general that’s good at creating opportunities for his teammates.

Plus, the free agent point guard market this summer isn’t fantastic (though there are a few decent options the Pelicans could pursue). Barring a starting-caliber guard coming over in an Anthony Davis trade, the Pelicans will need a guy to play next to Jrue Holiday, and Elfrid could continue to fill that role.

He’s had some injury concerns and only played about half of this last season, but he’s usually a bright spot when he’s been on the court, including his historic stretch of consecutive triple-doubles near the end of the year.

It’s always nice to have players that actually want to play for your city. Look for the Pelicans to reward that type of attitude this summer.