Payton Pritchard will not be the key to the Boston Celtics landing any of the highly-paid big men they desire on the trade market. According to Heavy’s Steve Bulpett, the Utah Jazz and San Antonio Spurs wouldn’t be interested in Pritchard as part of the return in a deal involving Kelly Olynyk or Jakob Poeltl, respectively.
While Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley believes Pritchard could be the main piece in a deal involving Charlotte Hornets center Mason Plumlee, the Cs might not even consider giving up that much themselves for a non-shooter who’s about to hit free agency this summer.
Here’s what Bulpett’s source told him about trade negotiations for Olynyk and Poeltl centered involving Pritchard:
"“I don’t think Boston really has anything to trade that they’d actually want to give up — or what they’d need to give up for Olynyk — and I don’t think Poeltl fits there. They can’t trade this year’s (first round) pick. They can trade a down-the-road first, but I don’t see that right now. I’m not sure Utah or San Antonio has much real interest in Pritchard…”"
The Boston Celtics not looking into trading Grant Williams
Bulpett’s source also revealed that Grant Williams’ inclusion in any trade is highly unlikely given the team’s desire to add a fourth big — not supplant the fourth-year Tennessee product in the rotation completely:
"“…and forget about Grant (Williams), because the purpose of getting another big is to get someone after Grant. He’s their third big right now, and they’re looking for a fourth or fifth big, not necessarily a third big. They at least need a fourth one. (Luke) Kornet’s helped them when guys have been out, but I think they want to have more options in the playoffs.”"
While Williams’ counting stats have decreased in recent months with the return of Robert Williams III to the rotation, his shooting efficiency has remained high. Williams is due for a massive extension in the offseason, but the Celtics winning the 2023 title would justify just about any offer sheet. His restricted free agency will likely see teams try to price the Cs out of their winning core.
From the looks of it, Boston will be the team dealing with the headache of fending teams off from a Williams poison pill deal. The interest is only external when it comes to dealing No. 12 at the deadline.