When the Hornets traded their Center Mark Williams to the Lakers for Cam Reddish, multiple draft assets, and star rookie Dalton Knecht, it seemed like a win-win situation for both parties. The LA franchise fulfills its need for size while the Hornets secure pieces to build their future. However, things took an unfortunate turn when the Lakers rescinded the deal due to Williams failing his physical, and both franchises were back to square one. But instead of pondering over the failed trade, the Charlotte-based team has already begun making new moves to improve their roster.

Turns out, they have agreed to sign veteran guard Elfrid Payton on his second ten-day deal, as per his agent, Darrell Comer. Well, Payton inked his first ten-day deal with the team on February 7, two months after being waived by the Pelicans. And he suited up for two games during that period before heading to the All-Star break, averaging 2 points and nearly six assists.

Of course, the Hornets saw something worth holding onto in Payton. For the first eight years of his career, he was a solid starting guard in the league, constantly averaging double-digits. He even raked in impressive career earnings of over $29.9 million. But the two-year hiatus following the 2021-22 season seems to have affected his game. This year, Payton has played a total of nine games for two teams, averaging only 5.7 points and nearly seven assists.

As of now, Payton’s ten-day contract is valued at $171,756, and his aim would be to regain his form and secure a permanent deal with the team. Obviously, the Hornets are in desperate need of a point guard because LaMelo Ball has been dealing with constant injury concerns. Before heading to the break, he injured his right ankle during the Nets game. Surely, Payton can work as a solid replacement until Melo is back to complete health. Meanwhile, it also gives the franchise a boost following the Mark Williams fallout.

Adam Silver makes shocking revelation about Lakers-Hornets dispute

After the Lakers rescinded the trade, it was believed that the Hornets would dispute their decision and take it up to the league office. As per veteran insider Dave McMenamin, “From my understanding, this would be almost like a mock trial that the NBA will put on, and both teams will present their cases.” However, it looks like there might be no further developments on the rescinded trade, according to Adam Silver’s latest update.

Addressing the dispute, the Commissioner said, “Charlotte has not filed a protest of any kind. I think the larger issue is if there is a different standard of sort in terms of players passing physicals in trades… It’s something we should look at as a league.” He even acknowledged that he has never seen a similar trade situation during his tenure, and understands what the involved players must be going through.

“For players who are involved in trades, how disruptive it can be. I’m sure it’s equally as disruptive to think you had been traded and not to have been traded—disruptive for the player, disruptive for their teammates,” Silver noted.

Well, it looks like Williams is going to remain a Hornet at least for this season. Meanwhile, Rob Pelinka has already acquired big man Alex Len to make up for the failed trade. So, their dispute might be a thing of the past now, as both franchises seem to have moved on.

What are your thoughts?