Atlanta Hawks waive Gary Payton

ATLANTA, March 1 (UPI) -- The Atlanta Hawks waived guard Gary Payton on Tuesday.

Payton was acquired from the Boston Celtics, along with a first-round pick, Tom Gugliotta and Michael Stewart in exchange for Antoine Walker on Feb. 24.

Payton has said that he wants to play for a playoff contender. Atlanta had an NBA-worst 10-45 record heading into Monday night's game at Denver. He did not play a game for the Hawks.

Payton, 36, is averaging 12.1 points and 6.1 assists in 54 games this season.