Payton Pritchard, who has been making headlines for his impressive performances with the Boston Celtics, found his path to NBA stardom altered by a trade that ultimately did not materialise. The young guard, known for his defence and proficient shooting abilities, might not have had his big break with the Celtics, had a proposed trade deal not fallen through.
During the 2020 NBA draft, Pritchard was selected by the Celtics in the late first round. His adoption into the team was instantaneous, consistently contributing with his solid defence and outside shooting, and quickly became a fan favourite. While his present contribution to the team is clear for all to see, the initial stages of his entry into the NBA were far from certain.
The player from West Linn, Oregon, had been in the sights of the Milwaukee Bucks and was nearly traded early on into his professional career. A potential three-team trade involving the Celtics, Bucks, and the Indiana Pacers would have seen Pritchard moving to the Bucks. This deal, according to league sources, was crafted with Pritchard in mind as an obvious cornerstone.
However, the trade proposal was eventually dropped, not much has been said about the reasons but the impact it had on Pritchard’s career is undeniable. Remaining with the Celtics allowed the young guard to hone his skills under the guidance of the team’s experienced coaching staff and share the court with high-calibre team-mates.
Pritchard’s growing influence on the Celtics can be traced back to his time at the University of Oregon, where he was a standout player. His four-year college career ended with him winning the Bob Cousy Award in 2020, given annually to the top male collegiate point guard. This, among other accolades, underlined his potential as an elite basketball player.
“He’s definitely earned his keep,” said Celtics coach Brad Stevens. “He’s not afraid, that’s clear. He’s a confident young guy who has a bright future in this league.”
This development in Pritchard’s career is not only indicative of his talent and ability, but also the unpredictable nature of professional sport. One moment can significantly alter the direction of an athlete’s career, as was the case with Pritchard and the trade that never happened.
Last modified: March 30, 2025
