The Boston Celtics had Payton Pritchard request a trade in 2023 (subscription required), but the franchise wisely gave the guard a larger role instead of moving on. With Jaylen Brown traded to the 76ers, Boston will be looking to replace over 28 points per game. Paul George is a better fit in head coach Joe Mazzulla’s scheme, but it will be Pritchard who gets the breakout buzz.
The 6’1 guard is coming off a career year where he averaged 17.0 points, 5.2 assists, 3.9 rebounds, and 0.7 steals in 32.4 minutes per game. Pritchard shot 46.4 percent from the field and 37.7 percent on his 3-point attempts in his first season as a primary starter. Whether he opens the game or comes off the bench, fans can expect even more production on one of the most team-friendly contracts in the NBA.
Pritchard has earned $24.3 million in his first six NBA seasons and is set to make just $7.7 million in the 2026-27 season. That is a bargain for a potential All-Star capable of running the offense, spacing the floor, and being an absolute bucket. Things would be significantly different if Boston traded Pritchard when he wanted out, and the franchise keeps looking better for denying that request.
The Celtics wisely said no to Payton Pritchard’s trade request
Pritchard was a reserve guard who played under 20 minutes per game in his first two seasons. In his third year, Malcolm Brogdon took over the backup guard role and relegated Pritchard to an inconsistent spot. He appeared in 48 games and only averaged 13.4 minutes per contest. He was out of the rotation entirely in the playoffs, where Pritchard got just 57 total minutes as Boston lost in the conference finals to the Heat.
Pritchard knew his talent and wanted a larger role elsewhere. Instead, the Celtics revamped their roster and made Pritchard the backup point guard. The result was a championship and efficient guard play off the bench. It also came with a four-year, $30 million extension that has turned into an absolute bargain for the team.
This wasn’t an easy decision. The Celtics had just made the conference finals without Pritchard. They traded for Jrue Holiday and opened up minutes at the one, but getting a disgruntled player back on board isn’t easy. Credit to everyone involved for maximizing Pritchard, even after things appeared to turn sour.
Don’t be surprised to see Pritchard become the number two scorer behind Jayson Tatum this season. Paul George has bought more into a 3-and-D role in recent years, and the Celtics have no reason to overexert the 36-year-old in the regular season. Derrick White is an elite defender, but he struggled to expand his offensive role last season with Tatum out. Pritchard has room to grow and should take additional shots with Brown in Philadelphia.
Another career year is on the horizon for Pritchard. This is his shot to average over 20 points per game and make his All-Star case. The Celtics will run a ton of pick-and-rolls and shoot a plethora of threes. That is how Joe Mazzulla wants to play, and it suits Pritchard’s game.
The Boston Celtics look genius for keeping Payton Pritchard even when the 6’1 guard requested a trade. It would have been easy to move on and go in a different direction, but the franchise recognized his talent. Pritchard has blossomed into a starter and key contributor in Boston. None of that would have been possible if the Celtics didn’t clear a role and extend him after he wanted out. They handled this perfectly and keep reaping the rewards.
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