A key piece of the revamped Boston Celtics secured his short-term future with the franchise.
Guard Payton Pritchard, the 2024-25 Sixth Man of the Year, has agreed to a two-year, $44.2 million contract extension with the Celtics, with the 2029-30 season being a mutual option, according to ESPN.
Messages left for Pritchard’s representatives were not immediately returned.
As star forward Jayson Tatum missed much of last season, Pritchard took on more responsibility, becoming one of Boston’s primary shot makers; Pritchard averaged career highs in scoring (17.0 points per game), rebounding (3.9) and assists (5.2).
Pritchard started 50 of his 79 games last season, but appears likely to resume his role as Boston’s sixth man. In the team’s preseason game against
the 76ers Saturday, Oct. 10, which was something of a dress rehearsal for the Celtics, Pritchard came off the bench, before eventually leading the team with 25 points on 7-of-12 shooting.
The Celtics are embarking on a new era after trading away former star Jaylen Brown to the 76ers. Boston will be incorporating Paul George, who scored 13 points on 3-of-10 shooting against his former team, into the lineup.
Either way, Pritchard figures to remain a central scorer and one who often closes games on the floor because of his shooting and scoring.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Payton Pritchard contract extension: What it means for Celtics, former Sixth Man of the Year
