According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Boston Celtics and guard Payton Pritchard have agreed on a four-year $30 million extension. The deal is fully guaranteed.
Pritchard struggled to find playing time a season ago, falling victim to the logjam the Celtics at guard behind Marcus Smart, Derrick White, and Malcolm Brogdon. After averaging a career-low 13.4 minutes per game, Pritchard grew frustrated with his role and voiced his desire to be traded from the organization over the offseason. However, the Celtics hung on to him.
There has been a lot of buzz surrounding Pritchard’s play in camp. “I think Payton’s had a great camp,” Sam Hauser said. “He’s really, really been aggressive. He worked really hard this summer, and I think he’s out for blood this year. So I’m really excited to see what he brings to the table.”
With Smart and Brogdon gone, Pritchard is expected to assume a larger role this season. If the 25-year-old can slot in and prove he can handle the backup guard role, this could be a nice deal for Brad Stevens and the Celtics.
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