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New York Knicks: Have these players played their final game with Knicks?

By Jeffrey Bellone

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 12: Frank Ntilikina #11 of the New York Knicks directs his teammates in the first half against the Washington Wizards at Madison Square Garden on February 12, 2020 in New York City.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 Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 12: Frank Ntilikina #11 of the New York Knicks directs his teammates in the first half against the Washington Wizards at Madison Square Garden on February 12, 2020 in New York City.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 Elsa/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 06: Elfrid Payton #6 of the New York Knicks in action against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Madison Square Garden on March 06, 2020 in New York City. Oklahoma City Thunder defeats the New York Knicks 126-103. 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 Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

Elfrid Payton

Elfrid Payton might be the most difficult point guard on the roster to project his future with the Knicks. Owed $8 million if the Knicks don’t waive him before next season, the 26-year-old point guard might find his way back on the Knicks roster with Scott Perry coming back as general manager for one more season.

Perry drafted Payton in Orlando, and then helped orchestrate the deal that brought him to New York. The 6-foot-3 guard then showed flashes of his potential over 45 games this season, playing with sneaky hands on defense, lowering his turnover percentage, and helping the Knicks play at a better pace and perform 7.9 points better with him on the floor.

That said, if the Knicks decide to go in a different direction with their point guard position, either through the draft, free agency, trade, or a combination of all three, Payton would only cost them $1 million to cut.

It seems impossible to believe the Knicks will return next season with Ntilikina, Smith Jr., and Payton still on the roster, and if they can’t find a trade partner to part ways with either Ntilikina or Smith Jr., then Payton is the easiest to move on from, assuming the team adds another point guard and needs to make roster space.

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