Within the newest spherical of NBA rumors, the Boston Celtics are having “opened extension talks” with guard Payton Pritchard after buying and selling middle Robert Williams III and guard Malcolm Brogdon to the Portland Path Blazers.
Pritchard, 25, is eligible for restricted free company. Subsequently, if he performs nicely within the 2023-24 season and waits to signal a brand new contract, his market worth would possibly enhance sooner or later. In different phrases, he’ll obtain bigger affords.
Tyus Jones signed a two-year, $29 million contract from the Memphis Grizzlies forward of the 2022-23 season. Plus, Gabe Vincent inked a three-year, $33 million take care of the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason.
In July, Max Strus agreed to a four-year, $63 million sign-and-trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers as nicely.
After the Jrue Vacation commerce, NBA betting websites have the Boston Celtics because the No. 1 favorites to win subsequent season’s 2024 championship. Sportsbooks are nonetheless displaying nice odds for the Milwaukee Bucks, Denver Nuggets, and Phoenix Suns.
Payton Pritchard stated he matured lots after not taking part in final season#Celtics #NBA https://t.co/EXHoBJMQZl pic.twitter.com/qN7YMrBNGd
— Celtics on CLNS (@CelticsCLNS) October 2, 2023
Following Boston’s sequence loss to the Miami Warmth within the 2023 Jap Convention Finals, Payton Pritchard had hoped “to be traded this summer season.” That modified when free company hit.
Marcus Good was traded to Memphis as a part of the Kristaps Porzingis commerce. This led to Pritchard shifting up the Celtics’ depth chart.
NBA Rumors: Boston Celtics, Payton Pritchard are having “opened extension talks” after buying and selling Robert Williams III and Malcolm Brogdon to the Portland Path Blazers for Jrue Vacation
Moreover, Brogdon was additionally dealt within the Jrue Vacation commerce. Nevertheless, now that Boston has acquired Vacation and the contender nonetheless has Derrick White, this implies Pritchard’s taking part in time might be restricted.
Pritchard was chosen twenty sixth total by the Celtics within the 2020 NBA Draft out of the College of Oregon. Throughout his rookie 2020-21 season, the 6-foot-1 guard made 4 begins in 66 video games performed with Boston.
The Oregon native averaged profession highs of seven.7 factors, 2.4 rebounds, and 19.2 minutes per sport whereas capturing a career-best 44% from the ground, 41.1% past the arc, and 88.9% on the foul line.
Within the 2021-22 season, Pritchard made two begins in 71 appearances. He averaged 6.2 factors, 1.9 boards, a career-high 2.0 assists, and 14.1 minutes per sport. To not point out, the guard shot 42.9% from the sphere and a career-best 41.2% from downtown.
Joe Mazzulla simply clarified that Derrick White will nonetheless have level guard duties this season and simply due to including Jrue Vacation doesn’t change that.
Mazzulla additionally says he’s excited to see Payton Pritchard have extra time on the court docket this season #Celtics
— The Celtics Information (@CelticsFiles) October 2, 2023
After all, Pritchard obtained three begins in 48 contests of the 2022-23 season. His performances regressed, averaging profession lows of 5.6 factors, 1.8 boards, 1.3 assists, and 13.4 minutes per sport.
Nonetheless, the guard completed the common season sturdy. Within the Celtics’ 120-114 regular-season finale win in opposition to the Atlanta Hawks on April 9, 2023, he recorded profession highs of 30 factors, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists in 46 minutes as a starter.
With extra taking part in time, Payton Pritchard is able to shining.
Different NBA rumors are on the primary web page.
