It’s tough to envision Payton Pritchard in any uniform other than Boston Celtics green. Now, nobody will have to, at least for a few more years.
The Celtics and Pritchard have agreed to a two-year, $44.2 million contract extension that keeps him in Boston, his agent told Shams Charania of ESPN. Pritchard has two more years on what is a steal of a contract ($7.2 million this season, $7.8 million in 2027-28) then he will get a massive raise starting in 2028-29 to likely $21.3 million. The deal includes a mutual option for the 2029-30 season.
This is the max extension the Celtics can give Pritchard under the CBA, and it rewards his years of quality play. That said, this is a good deal for both sides.
Pritchard — a key part of the 2024 championship Celtics and the 2025 Sixth Man of the Year — somewhat quietly had his best season as a pro last season, when stepping up to fill in with Jayson Tatum injured and Jrue Holiday traded. Pitchard, 28, started 50 games for the Celtics and averaged 17 points, 5.2 assists and 3.9 rebounds per game — all career highs — while shooting 37.7% from beyond the arc.
Boston has locked up a couple of other key role players this offseason, Neemias Queta (four years, $56 million) and Jordan Walsh (three years, $15.75 million).
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