Tuesday, ESPN's Shams Charania reported that the Boston Celtics and Payton Pritchard agreed to a two-year, $44.2 million contract extension. Back in May, Hardwood Houdini signaled that an extension was likely on the horizon.
There's a strong case that Pritchard is currently on the most team-friendly deal in the NBA. He's on the books for just $7.8 million this season and $8.3 million next year.
His extension is also incredible value for the franchise he has spent his entire six-year career with. He's now under contract for $21.2 million for the 2028-29 campaign. That's 140 percent of the average player salary, meaning he signed for the maximum allowed. It's still just 11.5 percent of that season's salary cap. Then, he and the organization will have a $22.9 million mutual option for the 2029-2030 season. That would only account for 11.8 percent of the cap.
With mutual options, either side can opt in. The Celtics rightfully view Pritchard as an important part of their ability to contend for championships. And he values stability. If it comes time to make that decision, there's a high likelihood on that option getting picked up. However, starting in October 2028, the former first-round pick is eligible to sign another extension.
Payton Pritchard's extension signals he'll start for the Celtics
That was the other half of Hardwood Houdini's forecast in late May. The former Sixth Man of the Year has excelled in both roles. He could be Boston's second-leading scorer in either capacity.
However, even with his extension not hitting the books until future seasons, this investment in him adds to the idea of putting Pritchard in the first unit.
Even if an extension hadn't gotten done, this author favored starting him. He's one of the players the Celtics should want on the floor as much as possible. Having him on the bench to start the game and second half hurts that possibility.
He adds speed to the first unit and helps Boston throw its best punch when the matchup gets underway. He also allows Derrick White to play off the ball. That's the latter's best offensive role. There's also another incentive.
Payton Pritchard and Jayson Tatum are a winning combo
That duo generated 46.1 points in 18.5 minutes together last season. Yes, that's a small sample size. However, they produced a 123.2 offensive rating.
They had a +7.3 plus-minus rating. That tandem held opponents to 104.7 points per 100 possessions, giving them an 18.5 net rating, per NBA.com. It's a potent partnership.
Whether they're working together in the pick-and-roll, or Pritchard's a pass away, they create headaches for the defense. Helping off Tatum is a choice the opposition is reticent to make. But if they don't keeping the former Oregon Duck out of the paint becomes that much harder.
He manufactured 5.9 points per game in the paint last season. He also scored the third-most isolation points per possession [minimum 60 games and an average of at least one such field-goal attempt], per NBA.com. Giving him a clear path downhill off a Tatum screen is begging to give up a bucket.
Even if Pritchard is asked to spot up in the corner at times while sharing the floor with Tatum, White, and Paul George, he can make an impact. Plus, having him in the starting five helps pace that trio, which includes two individuals in their 30s. It's great that the Celtics extended one of their top players, and he can thrive in either role. But to maximize Pritchard, who should take a leap with the opportunities created by Jaylen Brown's departure, it's best for him and the team to put him in the starting lineup.
Add us as a preferred source on Google