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Summary
Despite Payton's lack of outside shooting ability, he has found a role for himself in recent years as a lower usage point guard that can defend multiple positions. Since joining the Knicks in 2019, he has been a serviceable starting point guard. That's probably not the role you want for him when games matter the most, but I think he can be a solid backup on a good team. He puts up pretty good box stats, showing some playmaking skills and rebounding well for a guard. He also has lowered his turnover rate since joining the Knicks.
 
Payton predictably struggled in the playoffs, as he was eventually pulled from the starting lineup and the rotation entirely. Payton at least has enough skill that even if he doesn't shoot an open look he could potentially attack the opening and make plays for others. He also has enough size that his teams have flexibility in regards to what type of players you can play next to him.
 
Cap Considerations
Payton will be an unrestricted free agent with a $6.2 million cap hold and Early Bird rights. Since his cap hold is above his market value, his cap hold really isn't that relevant, as the Knicks will either let him walk in order to maximize their cap space, or they will re-sign Payton and cut into some of their space.
 
Using his Early Bird rights, the Knicks can offer Payton a starting salary of 5% above the average salary (around $10 million), which should be more than enough. If it's not, the Knicks could always use cap space to re-sign him.
 
Other teams will have multiple ways to sign Payton as even teams without cap space could possibly use any of the Non-Taxpayer, Taxpayer, or possibly even the Room Mid-Level Exceptions to sign him.

Potential Teams: Raptors, Clippers, Knicks, Heat, Kings

Predicted Contract: 1-year, $5 million with the Raptors

Actual Contract: 1-year, $2.2 million ($1.7 million cap hit) with the Suns

Payton ended up settling for the minimum to return to Phoenix, and gives the Suns some ball-handling insurance in case Chris Paul or Cam Payne miss some regular season games.

Last updated: 8/19/2021

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