The Boston Celtics made a point to bring back virtually the same roster this season that won them a title last year, but might they be open to trading away one of their rotational players if a great offer comes along?
Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale suggested on Saturday that the Orlando Magic could be monitoring a player who has been Boston’s best asset off the bench this season.
26-year-old combo guard Payton Pritchard is having a career year so far at 16.4 points per game on 41.3 percent from three.
Orlando would benefit hugely from acquiring Pritchard, claimed Favale, if the Magic can put together an enticing enough package for the defending champions.
“The Magic have the tools to swing a blockbuster, particularly as of Dec. 15, but they don’t need to go all-in if the right opportunity doesn’t present itself,” Favale said.
“Targeting everyone from primary initiators to secondary table-setters who open up the floor off-ball to minor stopgaps should be in play. Orlando can act now or monitor the market with the intention of striking once trade season unofficially starts (Dec. 15), so long as it doesn’t plan to let this thing marinate (and thus devolve) until February.”
“Players like Anfernee Simons, Aaron Wiggins (trade-eligible Jan. 15), Tre Jones, Monte Morris (trade-eligible Dec. 15), LaMelo Ball, Malik Monk (trade-eligible Dec. 15), Terry Rozier, Coby White, Payton Pritchard and Dennis Schröder are all worth monitoring.”
Pritchard is in the first year of a four-year, $30 million rookie extension.
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