Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
The Latest Trade Buzz Surrounding Celtics' Guard Payton Pritchard
Even if the Celtics reshuffle their backcourt and trade Malcolm Brogdon this summer, more likely than not, Payton Pritchard's played his last game with the franchise.
Brogdon's addition, plus a foot injury, resulted in the latter playing 48 games and never cracking the rotation. In his third year in the Association, his minutes went from 14.1 in 2021-22 to 13.4 this regular season.
But Pritchard's lack of playing time spoke more to who was ahead of him on the depth chart and a reluctance to utilize three-guard lineups than his talent.
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The former Oregon Duck can operate effectively with and without the rock, a career 40 percent three-point shooter on 3.5 attempts per contest, and a solid on-ball defender.
While his push leading up to the trade deadline, hoping to go somewhere he could contribute more, was unsuccessful, he showcased his abilities in the Celtics' regular-season finale, registering a 30-point, 14-rebound, 11-assist triple-double, placing himself in elite company.
Before the 2022-23 campaign, Boston exercised Pritchard's 2023-24 team option worth slightly north of $4 million. He's extension eligible this offseason but also carries a $5.96 million qualifying offer as a 2024-25 restricted free agent.
This author previously examined potential trade options and what the Celtics might get back for the 25-year-old guard, exploring deals for veterans and possibly moving into the first round of this summer's draft.
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As teams work quietly behind the scenes before draft night and July fireworks, according to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, the Suns have several Pritchard supporters in their front office.
Phoenix is also sorting out starting floor general Chris Paul's future. But even if the franchise waives and re-signs him, at 38 with a concerning injury history and 18 years of NBA mileage on his tires, the organization understands the need for a reliable understudy.
But the Suns will have competition for Pritchard's services, with Fischer adding he's "expected to feature prominently" in this summer's trade landscape.
Generating that type of buzz after a trying season mostly spent on the bench is a nice reward that could get even sweeter if his new home welcomes him with a contract extension.
Further Reading
Free-Agent-to-be Grant Williams Undergoes Surgery on Injured Hand
Scouting Report on Prospects Celtics Could Draft with No. 35 Pick: Ben Sheppard
Suns Waiving Chris Paul; Should the Celtics Sign Him?
The Latest on Yam Madar and Juhann Begarin
If Celtics Trade Malcolm Brogdon, Here's a Realistic Return Who'd Be a Better Fit
Exploring Potential Payton Pritchard Trades
After Hiring Sam Cassell, Celtics Linked to Another Top Assistant
Sam Cassell Checks Nearly Every Box in Celtics Search to Strengthen Joe Mazzulla's Coaching Staff
Danny Ainge Discusses Celtics' Unfulfilled Potential
Are the Celtics Small Tweaks from a Title? Brad Stevens Thinks So
