5 Celtics most likely to be traded before the deadline

1. Payton Pritchard

Pritchard signed a four-year $30 million extension with the Celtics during training camp. The new deal does not kick in until the 2024-25 season and leaves him with a Poison Pill provision. No player in that situation has been traded since Devin Harris in 2008.

Pritchard’s modest salary and just $2.4 million jump makes it possible he is moved. The 6’1 guard fell out of the Celtics playoff rotation in 2023 and his defense is difficult to trust. Boston would love to find another ball-handler and playmaker, especially if they do not trust Pritchard to fill the role when the games matter most.

Could the Celtics use Pritchard’s contract to upgrade their roster? Adding his deal with a couple of minimum players allows Boston to acquire someone making around $10 million this season. It could be a significant improvement that pushes the Celtics closer to the championship.

The Boston Celtics are most likely to use their $6.2 million trade exception, but none of their bench players are safe if Brad Stevens and the front office are determined to upgrade their roster. They could trade anyone and go all-in on winning a title. Stay tuned to see how aggressive Brad Stevens is before the Feb. 8 trade deadline.