clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

NBA Draft 2014: Orlando Magic officially acquire rights to Elfrid Payton from Philadelphia 76ers

The reported swap between Orlando and Philly is now complete.

Elfrid Payton
Elfrid Payton
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The Orlando Magic's rumored trade with the Philadelphia 76ers to acquire the Draft rights to Elfrid Payton is now official: the team announced the deal Thursday night.

"We felt it was worth it to go and acquire him using some of the assets we had moving into the future." Rob Hennigan on Elfrid Payton

In the deal, Orlando conveys to Philadelphia the Draft rights to Dario Šarić, whom it picked 12th overall on Thursday; its second-round Draft choice in 2015; and a first-round Draft choice in 2017. In exchange, it receives Payton's Draft rights. Philly used the 10th pick to select Payton. Coincidentally, the 2017 first-rounder is the same one Philadelphia first sent to the Magic in the Dwight Howard trade.

Payton averaged 19.2 points, six rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 2.3 steals in his junior season at Louisiana-Lafayette. The dynamic point guard is known for his athleticism and defensive mindset.

According to Magic general manager Rob Hennigan, the team "targeted" Payton going into the Draft. "As the Draft started to fall and things started to shake out, we felt it was worth it to go and acquire him using some of the assets we had moving into the future," he said.

What stands out about Payton? "We love his toughness, we love his competitiveness, we love his desire to want to play defense and want to compete at that end of the floor," said Hennigan.

Keep up with all of our Magic coverage