The Orlando Magic traded point guard Elfrid Payton to the Phoenix Suns for a second-round pick. That kind of move has “salary dump” written all over it.

Except, Payton is only making about $3.3 million this season on the fourth year of his rookie deal. So it's not about money.

The other explanation is that the Magic knew they were not going to give an extension to Payton, who was picked 10th in the 2014 draft. So instead, they decided to trade him for a pick and let another team deal with whether or not to sign him.

The Suns might be that team. Per Gerald Bourguet of HoopsHype, Phoenix may have interested in keeping Payton beyond this season.

https://twitter.com/GeraldBourguet/status/962389444744568832

Payton is not a bad player. His scoring averages have increased every season he's been in the NBA. He averaged 13.0 points, 6.3 assists, and 4.0 rebounds with the Magic.

So it makes sense that the Suns will want Payton beyond this season. But there is also a reason the Magic got rid of him in the first place. That reason, however, is somewhat unclear.

Unless it was about Payton's hair, which literally got in the way of the basketball as he shot it. C'mon, Payton. Really? This could be the first time a hairstyle led to the trade of a professional sports player.

At any rate, the Suns actually have various players that play either the point or shooting guard position. It's possible the Suns don't need Payton.

But if he plays well and carves out a good role for himself, a new start could be what Payton needs. And the Suns would be wise to provide that for him.