Injury-hit Pelicans bring back Elfrid Payton

The New Orleans Pelicans are signing free-agent guard Elfrid Payton, his agent told ESPN's Shams Charania.

Terms of the deal weren't disclosed.

Payton last played in the NBA in 2021-22, making 50 regular-season appearances for the Phoenix Suns while averaging three points and two assists. However, the 2014 10th overall pick has more recent familiarity with New Orleans. He signed a training camp deal with the Pelicans this past summer and made two preseason appearances before being waived in mid-October.

New Orleans is dealing with a litany of injuries and is now 4-11 on the season following Tuesday's 132-91 loss to the Dallas Mavericks.

Star forward Zion Williamson has been out since Nov. 6 with a left hamstring strain and has yet to be given a return date. The team is also missing starting guards Dejounte Murray and CJ McCollum due to a broken hand and thigh ailment, respectively. In addition, reserve guard Jose Alvarado is expected to be sidelined with a strained hamstring until around Christmas.

The Pelicans have already used 10 different starting lineups in 15 games this season. Tuesday's loss to Dallas was their third game with a starting five of Brandon Boston, Javonte Green, Brandon Ingram, Yves Missi, and Trey Murphy III.

The team will reportedly waive guard Jaylen Nowell to create a roster spot for Payton.

Payton, 30, owns career averages of 10.1 points, 5.7 assists, and four rebounds in 500 games across eight seasons. He was teammates with Pelicans head coach Willie Green on the Orlando Magic during his rookie season in 2014-15.