With Oct. 23rd being the deadline for signing an extension, teams like the Boston Celtics are trying so hard to get all their assets in making a good roster for the new NBA season, which is why they decided to tie Payton Pritchard to a lucrative contract extension before time runs out on them.
Though the full detail of the contract isn’t available yet, reports claim the deal is worth a staggering 30 million for four years. However, the amount has been termed ‘crazy’ by fans given Pritchard is yet to prove himself consistently.
Details on Payton Pritchard’s contract extension
Payton Pritchard becomes the seventh player from the 2020 draft class to secure a rookie-scale contract extension. The others include Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves), LaMelo Ball (Charlotte Hornets), Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers), Isaiah Stewart (Detroit Pistons), Desmond Bane (Memphis Grizzlies), and Devin Vassell (San Antonio Spurs).
NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski recently twitted regarding Pritchard’s contract extension stating, “Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard has agreed on a four-year, $30 million contract extension, agents Austin Brown, Max Saidman and Mitch Nathan of @CAA_Basketball tell ESPN. Deal is fully guaranteed.”
After securing the lucrative deal, Pritchard responded to the Celtic’s first preseason game on Sunday night. “It’s a great feeling”, he said.
He also expressed his joy by saying that he feels secure and happy to play in the best City and for the best basketball club in the NBA. At 25, Pritchard logged his lowest career average of 13.4 minutes per game last season, but it’s expected to increase this year. As the 26th pick in 2020 out of Oregon, he had averaged 19.2 and 14.1 minutes in his first two NBA seasons, respectively.
Notably, Pritchard achieved a unique feat by making and assisting on 17 three-pointers in a single NBA game, tied for most by any player in the league, an Elias Sports Bureau record. As per ESPN Stats & Information, he also joined James Harden as the only player in the NBA to record a triple-double and connect on nine three-pointers in a game.
Fans reaction to Celtics extending Payton Pritchard’s deal
Following the news shared by Adrian Wojnarowski, Payton Pritchard’s contract extension has raised fierce reactions from fans and enthusiasts in the NBA. Most fans questioned his contribution to the team to earn such a big contract. Some fans believe a player with 13.4 minutes per game does not merit such a lucrative contract.
Here are some individual reactions from fans criticizing Payton Pritchard’s deal. This fan believes the Celtics have overpaid Payton as he replied, “Lmaoooo overpay”.
Another fan tweeted, “30 million for 3 minutes per game is crazy”.
This fan believes that they overpaid him because they don’t have a bench, “Overpay but they don’t have a bench anyways so might as well keep him”.
However, despite his limited time on the court, Pritchard’s 30 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists in the final game of last regular season is a testament to his talent and what extending his contract will bring to the Boston Celtics entering a new season. So, let us hope he meet the expectations that earned him the big deal.
What are your thoughts on Payton Pritchard’s contract extension with the Celtics? Share with us in the comments.
