Orlando Magic Trade Value Column 2017

5. Elfrid Payton, $10.5 million/3 years, Qualifying Offer 2019

Elfrid Payton may still be the most polarizing player for the Magic. He may be the most polarizing player for the Magic’s observers in trying to assess value. His play might be the most polarizing on the entire team.

At this point last year, Payton was still fifth on this trade value column. He is still there, but his stock is considerably lower.

Last year it was about what kind of starter Payton could be. He was a great driver and leader put in perhaps the wrong offense and still trying to figure things out. Payton still had a ton of potential.

More than that, the Magic reportedly reached an ultimatum with Scott Skiles over Payton and stuck with Payton. That depends on whatever rumor or report you want to believe. The Magic still had a lot of belief in Payton and believed with improved shooting, he could be a starting point guard still.

His stock is considerably lower these days.

Payton is in and out of the starting lineup now. And his status as a starter in this league is in question as he enters his extension summer. It is safe to say with the Magic exploring other point guard options in a trade and a point guard-heavy draft upcoming that Payton’s value is near a low.

When Payton is at his best, the Magic are clearly a better team. He can take them to another level and have them playing above their talent level. That just shows how important consistent point guard play is in the league.

Right now, Payton has not been able to provide that. It feels like the Magic either need to move him to be a full-time backup, or cash him in while he still carries some value.