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3 New York Knicks who won’t be back next season

By Brad Berreman

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 21: Elfrid Payton #6 of the New York Knicks reacts during the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Madison Square Garden on February 21, 2021 in New York City. The Knicks won 103-99. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 21: Elfrid Payton #6 of the New York Knicks reacts during the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Madison Square Garden on February 21, 2021 in New York City. The Knicks won 103-99. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Elfrid Payton

If only ceremonially, since he played a total of 13 minutes in those games, Elfrid Payton carried his role as the Knicks’ starting point guard (63 regular season starts) through the first two games of the series against the Hawks before giving way to Derrick Rose. Then he didn’t even play in Games 3, 4 or 5.

Payton’s late fade — with one double-digit scoring outing in his last 16 regular-season games as his minutes also eroded — will dampen his market as he hits free agency. Like Ntilikina, he could certainly use a change of scenery after a dismal season with the Knicks. Before this season, Payton averaged more than six assists per game every season of his career. While he’ll probably never be a great shooter, or even an average one, Payton is a serviceable backup-caliber point guard who can score and defend a bit.

The Knicks are in the market for a big-time point guard this offseason, as the volume of rumors that are already out there move toward becoming reality. Payton would only be well down their list as an “if all else fails” option to fill a spot on the depth chart, several notches below Rose (who could be re-signed anyway). But all else won’t fail here, and Payton will be on his fifth NBA team next season.

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