Breaking: Elfrid Payton cut his hair
May 18, 2018, 9:50 AM | Updated: 12:34 pm
Elfrid Payton appears to be embracing a fresh start as he faces restricted free agency.
The NBA just caught wind of the Phoenix Suns point guard donning a fresh hair cut. Former Orlando Magic teammates Evan Fournier and Tobias Harris noticed the new hairdo via Payton’s Instagram video posted to his account.
HE FINALLY DID IT!!! @elfrid pic.twitter.com/off1flBFkz
— Evan Fournier (@EvanFourmizz) May 18, 2018
I feel relieved for you @elfrid https://t.co/VdaCGoBSnU
— Tobias Harris (@tobias31) May 18, 2018
And thus ends a legacy.
Payton’s hair hadn’t been cut since his high school days in Louisiana, where he committed to not cutting it until he won a state title. Well, once he was past high school and after he’d lost a chance at the title, he remained oddly committed to keeping the hair growing.
At times, it became problematic on the court.
Upon further investigation, it appears the trim chopping was done by Payton’s barber more than a month ago.
Payton averaged 11.8 points and 6.2 assists in 19 games with the Suns following a trade deadline deal that shipped him away from the Orlando Magic.
As a restricted free agent, he could sign an offer sheet with another team, which the Suns could then match. Phoenix could also renounce him to open up more cap space should the team pursue other free agents.