The Celtics are reportedly exploring the possibility of trading a guard from a group that includes Marcus Smart, Derrick White, Malcolm Brogdon, and Payton Pritchard. While there has been speculation that the team will look to move one of its higher-priced backcourt pieces, Adam Himmelsbach of The Boston Globe hears from a source that financial factors “won’t guide” Boston’s roster decisions.
That means that Pritchard, who has by far the smallest 2023/24 cap hit of any of those four guards, could be the player on the move, though that’s not a lock either. Himmelsbach’s source says there’s no tension between Pritchard and the franchise despite his stated preference to be traded this past season.
Pritchard simply wants to play a larger role, so if the Celtics could offer him that opportunity, it sounds like he’d be happy to remain in Boston. According to Himmelsbach, the team is still high on the former first-round pick.
Here’s more on the Celtics:
- The Celtics have received calls from teams about possible sign-and-trade scenarios involving Grant Williams, but the likeliest scenario is that he’ll re-sign and remain in Boston, Himmelsbach’s source says.
- All signs continue to point to Jaylen Brown receiving and signing a super-max extension this summer, with no indication that the Celtics are thinking about trading him, per Himmelsbach.
- Phil Pressey, a former NBA guard who played with the Celtics from 2013-15, is joining the team’s coaching staff, according to Himmelsbach, who hears the club will likely add at least one more behind-the-bench coach in the not-too-distant future.
- Celtics draft-and-stash players Yam Madar and Juhann Begarin aren’t expected to play for the team at the Las Vegas Summer League in July, a source tells Himmelsbach. It’s unclear if either one could still emerge as part of the team’s plans for 2023/24.
- Steve Bulpett of Heavy.com spoke to rival executives and coaches about what the Celtics should – and shouldn’t – do with their roster this offseason.
Pritchard & JChampagnie to Portland for Nassir Little & a future 2nd would make both teams better. Especially if Grant Williams leaves in free agency… link to m.youtube.com
SNT Grant Williams
You always trade young free agents for the future picks
Why?
The free agents want overpay contracts
All SNT
Warriors get Wood and #10
Mavs get Williams and #19
Celtics get Draymond
Draymond opt out for free agency. Looks like he wants the pistons.
No way I want that arrogant troublemaker Draymond on the Celtics! Go away, retire, go on TV full time!
Why the heck won’t Yam Madar and or Juhan Begarin not come & play in Summer League for the Celtics? What good are they doing for themselves or our Celtics if they don’t come and play? I, as one long time Celtics fan, will be very disappointed. I’d like some explanation from President Brad Stevens. I trust whatever he does but let’s hear why these players won’t come. Seems would be totally in everyone’s interests. Go Celtics!
Fiba euro games olympic qualifiers that’s there priorities too bad this year could have been a real opportunity for those 2 that they might not ever get again
Our Boston Celtics do have one too many guards as spotlighted that they never played Payton Pritchard all season long except for the last day of the season in which he produced a freakin’ triple double! Not just the qualifying 10 points plus, but in fact over 30 points with nine made three point shots, along with over 10 rebounds and 10 assists. And he’s by far the lowest paid guard so normally I’d say one of our other three guards would get traded to save over $10 million in salary. But since Coach Joe didn’t play Payton I’m assuming PP has to go. I’ll just trust President Brad Stevens in what he does … but Payton needs to play somewhere next season.
Brodgon, Danilo and picks for Ayton. Trade Pritchard, Kornet and another pick for a PG like Monte Morris or Fulks or someone. Sign yam and juhunn. Nate McMillan?