Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard (11) David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Celtics make final decision on Payton Pritchard's long-term future

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 10/8/23

Payton Pritchard has signed a four-year, $30 million deal with the Boston Celtics. The 6-foot-1 guard was entering the final year of his current deal. Pritchard has been with the Celtics since being drafted with the 26th pick in 2020. The Oregon product played a role for Boston as they made the NBA Finals in 2022.

However, Pritchard's minutes were severely diminished following the addition of Malcolm Brogdon last summer. At the trade deadline, Pritchard made his desire to be traded clear. Brad Stevens opted to keep Pritchard with the Celtics for the remainder of last season, and now, he projects to have a legitimate role in the upcoming season. Pritchard will be Boston's third guard behind Derrick White and Jrue Holiday.

Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard has agreed on a four-year, $30 million contract extension, agents Austin Brown, Max Saidman and Mitch Nathan of @CAA_Basketball tell ESPN. Deal is fully guaranteed. pic.twitter.com/sD9LgpmHZx
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 8, 2023

Pritchard's ability to push the pace, hit deep threes and come up with uncanny offensive rebounds will ensure he sees playing time this season. Boston has lost two guards this summer, Marcus Smart and Brogdon. They have only brought one guard back: Holiday. By extending Pritchard, Stevens is giving the 25-year-old guard a show of faith.

Boston has enough size and length to make up for Pritchard's shortcomings on the defensive end. He is a willing defender but sometimes finds himself being targeted. Kristaps Porzingis is an elite rim protector. Both Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have noted their desire to make an All-Defensive team this season. As such, the Celtics should be confident in mopping up any potential mistakes Pritchard makes.

Pritchard won't be relied upon to be a difference maker. However, he can become a vital part of Boston's guard rotation. Head coach Joe Mazzulla likes his team to run and shoot. Pritchard fits those specifications perfectly. If the fourth-year guard has improved his off-the-dribble playmaking, he could become an energy boost off the bench. And if things don't work out as planned, he has a tradeable contract down the line. Signing Pritchard to a contract extension was a no-lose situation for the Celtics.

More must-reads: