NBA Trade Rumors: Payton Pritchard Draws Interest

By Jeff Stinger • December 29, 2022

The Boston Celtics have a healthy selection of guards. Marcus Smart and Derrick White take the point, while Malcolm Brogdon is the primary option off the bench. Jaylen Brown exhibits his versatility and plays essentially a two-guard in some bigger Celtics lineups. This leaves Joe Mazzulla with plenty of options to fill in the position. However, the abundance of guards can leave Payton Pritchard as the odd man out at times. The situation has other teams inquiring about his availability via trade. Ultimately, this leads to Pritchard’s future with the Celtics.

Before anything else, Nitrobetting shares the latest news, odds, and special features throughout the 2022-23 NBA season. Let’s get a closer look at one of the hottest NBA trade rumors before the year ends.

Payton Pritchard stocks on the rise

Point guard value

Pritchard can bring a lot to the table and is a solid rotation guard. His team-friendly salary can accommodate franchises that need a second option. However, his rising stock value also means Boston would think twice to trade him.

The 24-year-old is sidelined with a bruised thigh. He missed most of the season due to Boston’s guard depth. He played 21 games this season, averaging 10.5 minutes per night. In the last two seasons, Pritchard was more active in the rotation, playing 66 contests in his rookie year and 71 regular season games, and 24 postseason appearances during the franchise’s recent run to the finals.

Malcolm Brogdon’s arrival meant less playing time for Pritchard, who averaged 6.2 points and 2.0 assists in 14.1 minutes last season. Pritchard’s expertise to run the offense and hitting 40.5% from deep in his career makes him a viable, low-salary target for a team in dire need of shooters. He’s a nice added layer of protection for Boston’s offense, given his consistent production. But if the front office finds a better situation and a lucrative offer for the No. 26 pick in the 2020 draft, the Celtics could be encouraged to part ways with him.

An X-Factor

Pritchard encountered multiple opportunities throughout his career where he can yield positive results for the team. He started his professional career on a positive note, including a game-winner against the Heat. This season, when on the floor, the guard from Oregon proved he can be a scorer.

Although his defensive edge remains questionable with his slightly shorter frame of 6-foot-1, Pritchard at a minimum plays hard on that aspect of his game to create chaos. He showed he can trigger hustle plays, including competitive offensive and defensive rebounding.

Of course, the Celtics are not on a tight deadline in dealing with Pritchard’s future with the team or in the NBA. Considering the franchise is a title contender, the front office could opt to keep him in the rotation for insurance purposes. He could also play a pinch role or a reliable three-point scorer who can produce in a matter of minutes when called upon. There’s no question that he’s a talented player, and it’s only natural that other teams would inquire about his trade value.

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