Celtics finally grant Payton Pritchard his longtime wish

Boston Celtics, Payton Pritchard | Winslow Townson/GettyImagesThe Boston Celtics will help Payton Pritchard set a new career-high in minutes this season and will grant his wish for a larger role. Fans remember his famous trade request (subscription required) in 2023 as he struggled to get playing time. It was all in search of a larger role. Pritchard won Sixth Man of the Year in 2025 and will play starter’s minutes for the first time this year.

The 27-year-old averaged 14.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 0.9 steals in 28.4 minutes per game last season. All of those stats were career-highs. He is no longer the player who struggled to lock down a nightly role. The 6’1 guard has become…