Maybe he was advised to ease up a bit in order to aid the tanking movement. Maybe the first hand full of games where he was playing really well were all management needed to see to form their opinion. I think if they can’t land Young or Doncic and aren’t in on any max free agents they bring Payton back. If he develops his jump shot even more he is what PHX needs. He can already defend and pass plus he rebounds well for a PG. I would rather have him than pay $14M for Marcus Smart.
It fits the conspiracy narrative and all, but I cannot imagine a team asking a player who is facing free agency to ease up UNLESS they have already come to a wink wink agreement on a new contract. There is no indication that the Suns are planning on keeping Elfrid, so, not sure I buy this one.
Maybe my theory was over the top but another reason for his decline could be that defenses were keying in on him when Booker, Warren & Jackson were being held out and without any real help he naturally struggled. What theory I don't buy is PHX willing to bring in an expensive short term veteran who may not fit timeline until they find their future PG. You could offer a boatload picks which PHX has to land a good PG, why settle for a Dragic, IT or some other stop gap? The draft is before FA so the Payton situation should be clearer after the draft. I haven't heard any rumors of other teams planning on making a move for him so PHX probably has priority if they want him.
