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The New Orleans Pelicans and guard Elfrid Payton have agreed to a contract. Payton will give the injury-ravaged Pelicans some additional depth in the backcourt.

The veteran point guard went to camp with the Pelicans before joining New Orleans G League affiliate, the Birmingham Squadron. Payton hasn't played in a game for the Squadron as of yet.

New Orleans is without Dejounte Murray, C.J. McCollum, Jose Alvarado and Jordan Hawkins in their backcourt. Zion Williamson and Herb Jones are also out with long-term injuries for the Pelicans.

Last season, in 29 G League games with the Indiana Mad Ants, Payton averaged 11.9 points, 5.3 rebounds and 9.0 assists per game. The eight-year veteran has also played for the Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns and New York Knicks, in addition to the Pelicans, in his career.

Via Shams Charania/ESPN

many of these FA "vets" are so much better than the majority of nba players who are either on rookie or unguaranteed contracts it really is jarring to see