Expected annual salary of $22 million! Pritchard to receive a lucrative extension, team reporter praises him as fully deserving

After trading Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers, the Boston Celtics may choose to rely on Payton Pritchard to fill the void left by the departure of the All-Star forward. With Brown gone in this blockbuster trade, Pritchard is expected to see a role upgrade, which will likely come with a significantly increased new contract.

On September 13, Beijing time, according to Celtics reporter Washburn, Pritchard's current four-year, $30 million contract still has two years remaining, and he is about to receive a substantial extension.

"From a salary perspective, Payton is the next player to be extended, and I think he is one of the most cost-effective players in the league," Washburn said. "He is making $7.7 million this season and $8.3 million in the 27-28 season. His extension is expected to be around $22 million per year. The finalization of this contract will depend to some extent on his performance this season, but I also believe he has already done enough to deserve an average annual salary of $22 million. In today's NBA, this is still a contract with high trade value."

"I don't think the Celtics will ever regret this contract. It's a reward for Payton's hard work. We all know he has performed well above his contract value and is one of the most cost-effective players in the league. It's like the Celtics are giving him a generous payday after this old contract expires. I think he is fully deserving."

In Washburn's view, Pritchard has steadily improved with the Celtics each season and ultimately deserves this well-earned extension.

"He trains hard and continues to improve. He has a championship ring and has won the Sixth Man of the Year award," Washburn added. "He deserves this contract, and there is almost no reason to hesitate on this extension."

Pritchard won the Sixth Man of the Year award in 2025. In the 2026-27 season, he averaged a career-high 17.0 points, 5.7 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game.