Getty Image
The Boston Celtics‘ season came to an end this week with a loss in the Eastern Conference Finals. While the team finished with the second-best record in the NBA and came a game away from a second straight NBA Finals appearance, the end result was somewhat of a letdown.
The C’s were upset by eighth-seeded Miami after falling behind in their most recent series three games to none. Making the heartbreak worse, Boston battled back to force a Game 7 before falling completely flat in a 19-point blowout on their home floor.
Now, it seems they’ll lose a piece off the roster this offseason.
Payton Pritchard has reportedly requested a trade. The guard saw his role diminish a bit in 2023 with the head coaching change and the emergence of sixth man of the year Malcolm Brogdon.
The former Oregon Duck recorded season lows in scoring, assists, and minutes played.
Jay King and Jared Weiss of The Athletic broke down the situation on Thursday.
“Payton Pritchard has made it clear he hopes to be traded this summer, according to multiple team sources, so will the Celtics move him if they trade one of their core guards?”
Unfortunately, that may be difficult.
Boston is expected to trade either Derrick White, Marcus Smart, or Brogdon this offseason for financial reasons. Should one of those three go, it’s unlikely that the team would be willing to let go of the reserve guard, too.
It’s one of many decisions the Celtics’ front office will be forced to make this summer, others of which include the futures of Grant Williams and Jaylen Brown.
Time will tell whether Payton Pritchard gets his wish or if he remains with the Celtics for the 2023-24 season. Either way, we’ll likely see some roster changes in Boston in the offseason.