Back to the New York Knicks Newsfeed

Elfrid Payton was all but guaranteed to be Knicks starter

Knicks coach David Fizdale is giving himself one more game before deciding on his starting point guard for opening night, Wednesday in San Antonio.

According to a New Orleans source, Elfrid Payton was all but promised he would be the starter when he agreed on a two-year, $16 million deal with the Knicks on July 1. The second year is a team option.

Other than a decent payday, it may be one reason Payton, 25, was eager to leave the Pelicans, the team the Knicks host Friday in the preseason finale.

Payton told The Post he had a chance to return to New Orleans, even after the Pelicans traded for Lonzo Ball.