Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
These Four Teams Reportedly Have Interest in Trading for Celtics Guard Payton Pritchard
The NBA Trade Deadline is quickly approaching and there are sure to be plenty of rumors.
The Boston Celtics currently are the best team in the NBA with a 37-15 record and are looking to make their way back to the NBA Finals after losing last year against the Golden State Warriors. Boston swung a trade for 2016-17 Rookie of the Year Malcolm Brogdon before the season but has been quiet on the trade front ever since -- aside from trading big man Noah Vonleh to the San Antonio Spurs to open up a roster spot.
One player whose name has popped up in trade rumors is Boston guard Payton Pritchard and he has had multiple interested parties, according to CelticsBlog's Keith Smith.
"The San Antonio Spurs, Detroit Pistons, and Charlotte Hornets have all shown an interest in Pritchard, sources said, Smith said. That’s in addition to the previously reported interest from the Golden State Warriors."
Pritchard certainly didn't do himself any favors in the rumor department after he recently made comments about his role with the team, but it doesn't sound like the Celtics are looking to move him at the trade deadline.
"Lastly, one rival team said, “They aren’t trading Pritchard this year unless it’s in a really good deal for them. He’s too valuable as a depth guy behind two injury-prone guys (Marcus Smart and Malcolm Brogdon) to just send him off so he can play," Smith said.
While Pritchard likely will be on the Celtics' roster after the trade deadline passes, there certainly will be more rumors before all is said and done.
Further Reading
Celtics Reportedly Interested in Reunion with Kelly Olynyk
The Top 5 Plays from Wednesday's Celtics-Nets Game
Marcus Smart Provides Update on Ankle Injury; Says There's no Target Date for His Return
Limited Role Has Payton Pritchard Questioning Future with Celtics Ahead of Trade Deadline
