The Boston Celtics does not have many trade assets, but there are still opportunities for improvement. Dealing Payton Pritchard for assistance in a more dire situation may be something they consider.
The Celtics should consider three potential Payton Pritchard trades
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Josh Richardson 3-Team Deal with Thunder, Spurs
The Celtics receive: Josh Richardson
The Thunder receive: Danilo Gallinari, 2023 2nd-Round Pick (via BOS from POR)
The Spurs receive: Payton Pritchard, 2023 2nd-Round Pick (via HOU, DAL, or MIA), 2029 2nd-Round Pick
*Each team would have to send assets to each other team in the deal
Josh Richardson, man pic.twitter.com/UerFKJENoR
— Tom Petrini (@RealTomPetrini) January 8, 2023
Bringing Josh Richardson back to the Celtics would be a huge coup. He was solid with the team last year and would provide excellent bench depth.
The difficult part of this trade would be persuading both parties to agree. The San Antonio Spurs require compensation for Richardson, and the Oklahoma City Thunder require compensation for taking on the contract of Danilo Gallinari. Pritchard and second-round picks should be enough for the Spurs, and the same can probably be said for the Thunder, but one side may want a protected first-round pick.
Jaxson Hayes – Pelicans
The Celtics receive: Jaxson Hayes, Garrett Temple
The Pelicans receive: Payton Pritchard, Danilo Gallinari, Justin Jackson, 2023 2nd-Round Pick (via HOU, DAL, or MIA)
Some Celtics fans will be disappointed if Pritchard is traded, but a deal like this one could help the Celtics fill some holes. Garrett Temple isn’t a regular rotational Pelicans player, but he’s a slight upgrade over Justin Jackson and has more experience. Furthermore, bringing in Jaxson Hayes would improve Boston’s big man depth.
The New Orleans Pelicans would benefit from this trade by improving their backup point guard position. Pritchard would have the opportunity to play some off-ball shooting. In addition, they’d get a second-round pick and avoid having to extend Hayes this summer.
Chris Boucher – Raptors
The Celtics receive: Chris Boucher
The Raptors receive: Payton Pritchard, Danilo Gallinari, Justin Jackson, 2023 2nd-Round Pick (via POR), 2029 2nd-Round Pick
Behind Al Horford and Robert Williams, Chris Boucher would be an excellent third big. His defensive versatility and athleticism could make him an excellent addition to the Boston roster.
This trade may or may not be a viable option. If the Toronto Raptors keep losing, they may consider holding a fire sale and trading away veteran assets. Given that they don’t have much guard depth beyond Fred VanVleet, adding a guy like Payton Pritchard could be appealing. The two second-round picks would sweeten the deal, with Gallinari and Jackson serving as salary matchers.
