The New York Knicks are interested in shipping veteran guard Elfrid Payton before the NBA trade deadline, according to Ian Begley of SNY. He said one contender has shown interest in acquiring the do-it-all floor general.

Payton, who agreed to a one-year, $5 million deal with Knicks in the offseason is having an up-and-down season this year. The 26-year-old playmaker is averaging 11.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in just 28.5 minutes per game. But while his numbers don’t exactly leap out, he has played a vital role in the Knicks’ success this season as they have emerged as a team contending for the postseason.

But nevertheless, with the recent acquirement of Derrick Rose, it would make sense for the Knicks to trade Payton before the NBA trade deadline on March 25. Plus, with the fast emergence of rookie Immanuel Quickley, Payton seems to be the odd man out in coach Tom Thibodeau’s rotation.

Begley pointed out that Thibodeau has grown to like Quickley for his versatility.

“Thibodeau likes Quickley on the ball and off the ball. That versatility is something he really likes about the rookie.”

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It’s still unclear, however, what type of player the Knicks would want for Payton. As mentioned, he is only making $5 million this season, so the Knicks could find it difficult to search for a player of that caliber for the same value. Payton’s current deal also includes a clause to veto any trade surrounding him.
Elfrid Payton, who’s now in his seventh year in the NBA, remains a solid PG with his leadership and vision, but the Knicks could be moving in a different direction.