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NBA: 5 big questions left unanswered after the trade deadline

By Jacob Doole

DALLAS, TX - FEBRUARY 10: Isaiah Thomas #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts as the Lakers play the Dallas Mavericks in the second half at American Airlines Center on February 10, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. The Mavericks won 130-123. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - FEBRUARY 10: Isaiah Thomas #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts as the Lakers play the Dallas Mavericks in the second half at American Airlines Center on February 10, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. The Mavericks won 130-123. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OH – JANUARY 18: Elfrid Payton #2 of the Orlando Magic reacts after being defeated by the Cleveland Cavaliers 104-103 at Quicken Loans Arena on January 18, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – JANUARY 18: Elfrid Payton #2 of the Orlando Magic reacts after being defeated by the Cleveland Cavaliers 104-103 at Quicken Loans Arena on January 18, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

What the hell, Orlando?

Trading Elfrid Payton to Phoenix for a second-round pick is not the worst move the Magic have made. After all, this is the franchise that signed Bismack Biyombo for $72 million.

And yet, this feels like a decision made by a team with absolutely no direction or plan (so really, very on-brand for Orlando).

Payton has been, overall, a disappointment thus far. He was drafted with the tenth pick in 2014, and his first three seasons were marred by poor shooting. Across those three years he shot just 44.6 per cent from the field and 28.9 per cent from 3.

It’s fast becoming a cliche, but in today’s NBA you need a point guard that can shoot.

This season, Payton has finally made a significant improvement shooting the ball. He’s setting comfortable career highs from the field (52.6 per cent) and from 3 (37.3 per cent), while showing a lot more confidence in his own game.

When engaged, he’s a solid defender. His playmaking has always been a strength and is still serviceable at worst. He rebounds pretty well for a guy his size. And he has the best hair in the NBA.

Seriously, it’s not even close.

Despite Payton hitting his relative peak and still being only 23, the Magic got a buy-low price from the Suns. A single second-round pick isn’t going to be a franchise-changing asset.

Yes, Payton is a restricted free agent this summer – maybe the Magic were scared he would want a big contract. But with most franchises looking to be more frugal this coming offseason, that seems unlikely.

Put it this way – if Lou Williams can only get $8 million per year, Payton’s not going to break the bank.

The Magic invested in him with a lottery pick, spent three years developing him, and then traded him just as he was starting to improve. Classic Orlando, really.

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