Celtics Star Makes Shock Admission in First Interview Since Jaylen Brown Trade image
Feb 8, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) and guard Payton Pritchard (11) talk during a break against the New York Knicks in the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
The Celtics roster will look a little different in 2026-27. Jaylen Brown's departure ushered in a new epoch of basketball in Boston. And while Jayson Tatum figures to be one of the biggest beneficiaries after Brown was dealt to the Sixers in exchange for Paul George, he certainly isn't alone.
Guard Payton Pritchard is expected to see his usage rate soar in Brown's absence. Some insiders, including Yahoo Sports' Tom Haberstroh, believe the Brown trade serves as a sort of indication that Boston has faith in Pritchard's ability to make a leap to stardom like another short guard who erupted once out of another superstar's shadow.
“The Celtics trading Brown is a bet that Pritchard is their in-house version of New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson, a diminutive player who didn’t fully show his talents until Luka Dončić was out of the picture," Haberstroh said, per Dunk Central.
Pritchard shone in an increased role in 2025-26, posting career highs in points (17.0) , assists (5.2) and rebounds (3.9) while maintaining his patented strand of efficiency (58.4% true shooting).
The 28-year-old guard gave insight into his view on the Brown deal — as well as his general expectations for the season — in a recent interview with NBC Sports Boston's Chris Forsberg. Here's what you need to know about his relationship with Brown, as well as his future prospects for the upcoming season.
MORE:Setting Realistic Expectations for Paul George's First Year With the Celtics
Payton Pritchard Makes Shock Admission in First Interview Since Jaylen Brown Trade
Pritchard praised his former teammate for helping aid in his development, calling Brown a "close friend" and "brother." He also admitted that Brown's absence will be hard to ignore next year.
"I'm very grateful for the relationship I've had with JB, because he kind of took me under his wing, pushed me, made me better," Pritchard said. "And he's just a phenomenal player, so he'll be missed mightily."
The Oregon product acknowledged that the Celtics are looking to "turn the page" and flip their attentions towards putting forth another strong campaign.
"I mean, it's the NBA at the end of the day. It's part of the business. Things change," Pritchard said.
As the second-longest-tenured player on the team behind Tatum, Pritchard is expected to be pushed into a more prominent role in Joe Mazzulla's setup next year. Pritchard shot down Brunson comparisons
"Honestly, I don't think much of it," Pritchard said. "I don't really try to dive into what other people try to put on to me. My only thought is finding new way to better myself and get a little bit better and help my team win."
Payton Pritchard contract details
Years: Four
Contract value: $30 million
Pritchard inked a four-year, $30 million extension ahead of the 2023 season. The deal kicked in prior to the 2024-25 campaign. Pritchard celebrated the deal by picking up Sixth Man of the Year honors.
With two years left on his current deal, Pritchard's next contract looms in the distance. He doesn't seem to be letting that cloud his focus in the short-term, however.
"No, I don't really think about it. It's just not something I'm really looking at," Pritchard said. "I have two years on my contract and it's just, there's no rush on it. We'll talk, obviously, but we have a whole next year to talk about an extension. For me, it's like, just focus on getting better and becoming the best basketball player I can possibly be."
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