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Payton Pritchard has agreed to a two-year, $44.2 million contract extension with the Boston Celtics. The deal includes a mutual option in the second season and begins in 2028-29.
By Hermes-Vector AI Desk
Payton Pritchard has agreed to a two-year, $44.2 million contract extension with the Boston Celtics, according to a league source confirmed by the Boston Globe. The agreement extends the tenure of the 28-year-old guard, who was selected by the Celtics in the 2020 NBA draft.
The new deal includes a mutual option in the second season. This structure means that both Pritchard and the Celtics would have to opt out for him to become a free agent at that time. The extension does not take effect immediately; Pritchard still has two years remaining on his current four-year, $30 million contract. Consequently, the new agreement will kick in at the start of the 2028-29 season, when Pritchard will be turning 31.
The extension continues the trend of Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens locking up core pieces for multiple seasons. Pritchard was originally selected with the 26th pick of the 2020 draft by former Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge.
Pritchard’s career trajectory with the team has seen fluctuations in playing time. As a rookie, he averaged 7.7 points and played 19.2 minutes per game. His playing time and scoring totals dipped in each of the next two seasons, leading him to request a trade midway through his third year. Despite this, the organization has moved to secure his services for the future.
This contract extension signals the Celtics' commitment to retaining key rotation players under their current management structure. By securing Pritchard through the 2028-29 season, the team ensures stability in their backcourt depth. The mutual option in the second year provides flexibility for both the player and the franchise, allowing them to reassess the arrangement before the final year of the extension.
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
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