The NBA’s trade deadline is Thursday, February 9, and with it comes the usual crop of rumors and gossip. The Boston Celtics employ one of the most balanced rosters in the Association at the moment, but that doesn’t mean the team won’t consider any moves between now and next week.
Already Boston has been linked to a few intriguing names. San Antonio Spurs big man Jakob Poeltl is a popular name in the rumor mill, while a reunion with Kelly Olynyk has reportedly been considered. Payton Pritchard in particular has been pegged as one of the top assets for any would-be Celtics trade.
But as Keith Smith of Celticsblog reported, Boston’s front office values the former Oregon Duck very highly. As such, it may be a quiet deadline in the Hub.
Some prominent NBA minds do not necessarily see star Boston Celtics shooting guard Jaylen Brown as that far behind his teammate from St. Louis. https://t.co/fmnGqDsX0o
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) February 2, 2023
'He’s too valuable as a depth guy'
According to Celticsblog, Pritchard may simply too important to Boston’s success. This is especially true given that he’s currently backing up Marcus Smart and Malcolm Brogdon, two players with complicated injury histories.
“They aren’t trading Pritchard this year unless it’s in a really good deal for them,” A rival team official told Celticsblog. “He’s too valuable as a depth guy behind two injury-prone guys to just send him off so he can play.”
Pritchard recently made waves during an appearance on the Point Forward podcast with former Celtic Evan Turner. Pritchard explained he is eager to have a bigger role on the court, seemingly hinting at a departure from the Celtics.
It would be cold-blooded, but do titles matter more? https://t.co/lDwpigcwE4
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) February 2, 2023
According to Smith, this statement did not ruffle any feathers with folks in the Boston orbit. A team source told him it’s good Pritchard is hungry for a bigger role, and that they’ve never had an issue with him.
One source with the Celtics said “It would be a problem for us, and for Payton, if he didn’t want a bigger role. That’s what we want: competitive guys who want to play. When you get a guy who is content to sit, that’s when you have an issue. We’ve never once had that issue with Payton.”
A recent report suggests the Boston Celtics may be interested in a deal to bring Kelly Olynyk back to Boston. https://t.co/CvOa5IHWII
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) February 2, 2023
Staying ready
Boston doesn’t appear to be actively looking to move Pritchard. As Smith reported, the club appreciates that he is “staying ready” despite limited minutes.
That doesn’t mean Pritchard doesn’t have his suitors. The Golden State Warriors are just one of several teams who have reportedly shown interest in a possible deal for Pritchard. The Utah Jazz could also get into the mix.
Perhaps Pritchard and the Celtics will reconsider their relationship this summer. As for the upcoming trade deadline, it would seem an opposing team would really need to knock Boston’s socks off with an offer for the club to consider any move.
Where do the two Celtics alumni place the stars of the current Boston squad on their respective teams? https://t.co/E8m5J6hFV5
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) February 2, 2023
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