Payton Pritchard raises questions about Celtics long-term future ahead of trade deadline

Payton Pritchard has found himself in a tough situation with the Celtics at times over the past two seasons when it comes to playing time. The reserve guard spent the first half of last season stuck behind Dennis Schroder and Marcus Smart at the point guard position and has faced an even more stacked depth chart this year after Boston dealt for Malcolm Brogdon in the summer.

Pritchard opened up a bit about his situation in Boston on the Point Forward podcast with Andre Iguodala and Evan Turner this past week and got candid about his situation and uncertain future with the Celtics beyond this year.

Andre Iguodala: “Walk me through the next 5 or 10 years for yourself.”

Payton Pritchard: “Obviously after I’m done here, after this year, I’d like to look — be a part of a bigger role a little bit.”

Iguodala: “You should want that.”

Pritchard: “I definitely do. It’s obviously what I work for. I think that’s what Brad and them know, too. We’ve had that discussion but — a bigger role. I want to be part of a winning culture but I want to also help that, be a really big piece of that. I’m not saying it’s the best player on the team but I don’t know what my future holds unless I can take that next step. I don’t know what it is in five or 10 years but I just want to look back and know that I put my best foot forward. I put all the work in so whatever happens I can live with as long as I did it my way. That’s the most important thing for me.”

Pritchard’s remarks are not surprising given his predicament. He’s averaged a career-low 12.5 minutes per game this season in 35 contests. The 25-year-old has seen an uptick in playing time of late due to injuries and Sam Hauser’s struggles (16.4 minutes per game in January) but that’s still well below his averages from the second half of last year and likely his overall hopes.

The more noteworthy part of Pritchard’s remarks involves his future with the Celtics amid the impending trade deadline. Pritchard still has one more year on his rookie contract after this season for just $4 million during the 2023-24 season. After that, he will become a restricted free agent, meaning the Celtics will have matching rights to retain him.

Despite that, Pritchard hints on the podcast that he’s going to be looking for a new spot or at least a bigger role in Boston after this season. With Smart, Brogdon and Derrick White all under contract through 2025, it’s hard to envision a bigger opportunity for him coming in Boston unless one of those guys gets moved in a different deal or gets hurt.

Pritchard is essentially low-cost injury insurance for the Celtics this season and they could have that same luxury next season with him thanks to his contract situation. However, Pritchard has made it clear in his remarks that he’s spoken to the front office about the desire for an expanded chance beyond this year that may not be available for him in Boston unless other moves are made.

The situation creates an interesting backdrop for Stevens and his staff as the deadline approaches. Would the Celtics consider moving him more now given his apparent discontent with his long-term situation? Pritchard’s value on the trade market and proven track record will likely make it hard for Boston to find a sufficient return for him in the current market while also satisfying the team’s goals of maintaining strong depth in the backcourt. It’s unlikely Pritchard could fetch a player of a similar skillset in the same salary range at this point.

Ultimately, the odds remain highly in favor of Pritchard remaining a Celtic this season but his future beyond that is a bigger question mark now after these remarks.