The Boston Celtics, fresh off a tumultuous offseason, are reportedly shaking up their roster yet again. With Jayson Tatum sidelined by a torn Achilles and key players like Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, Luke Kornet, and likely Al Horford no longer donning the green and white, the 2025-26 season is shaping up to be a transitional one for the reigning NBA champions. Now, in a stunning twist, NBA insider Brett Siegel reports that the Celtics have agreed to trade Payton Pritchard, the reigning Sixth Man of the Year, in a blockbuster deal that has sent shockwaves through the league.
Apr 13, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard (11) reacts after making a there pointer during the second half against the Charlotte Hornets at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
Apr 13, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard (11) reacts after making a there pointer during the second half against the Charlotte Hornets at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
The Celtics’ offseason has been defined by change. After losing to the New York Knicks in the 2025 Eastern Conference semifinals and grappling with Tatum’s devastating injury, Boston’s front office, led by Brad Stevens, has been forced to navigate a financial tightrope. Trading Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers for Anfernee Simons and a pair of second-round picks, along with sending Porzingis to Atlanta, allowed the Celtics to dip below the NBA’s punitive second luxury tax apron. These moves were cold, calculated, and necessary to preserve flexibility for the future. But the decision to part ways with Pritchard, a fan favorite and a key piece of Boston’s championship run in 2024, is a bold pivot that signals a deeper retooling.
“Although teams inquired about Derrick White and Jaylen Brown, Boston made it a point to keep both players as foundational pieces,” Siegel noted. “The idea of contending for titles remains relevant, but the Celtics are using the 2025-26 season as a retool year to set the stage for a championship push in 2026-27 when Tatum is expected to return at full strength.”
Initially, reports suggested that Pritchard and sharpshooter Sam Hauser were secure in their roles, with Boston prioritizing their development alongside White and Brown. However, the latest development flips that narrative on its head. According to sources, the Celtics have agreed to trade Pritchard to an undisclosed team, with the deal centered around acquiring a versatile frontcourt player to address Boston’s glaring lack of size following the departure of Porzingis and Kornet. While the full details of the trade remain under wraps, early indications suggest that Boston could be receiving a young big man and draft compensation in return.
Pritchard, drafted 26th overall in 2020, has blossomed into one of the league’s premier sixth men. His steady development, clutch shooting, and tenacious play earned him the 2025 Sixth Man of the Year award, and his recent 68-point outburst in a pro-am game underscored his offensive prowess. With Tatum out, Pritchard was expected to step into a starting role alongside Derrick White, forming a dynamic backcourt duo. Instead, Boston has chosen to capitalize on his rising value to address other roster needs.
The trade of Pritchard raises questions about the future of Anfernee Simons, who was acquired in the Holiday deal. The 26-year-old guard, known for his explosive scoring ability, averaged 19.3 points, 4.8 assists, and 3.1 three-pointers per game last season with Portland. However, with his contract expiring at the end of the 2025-26 season and Boston’s backcourt already crowded with White, rookie Hugo Gonzalez, and Baylor Scheierman, Simons appears to be a temporary fit.
“Since acquiring Simons, Boston has continued to put out feelers to teams that have shown past interest in the young guard,” Siegel reported. “The Celtics are exploring what his market currently looks like and could shape up to be before the trade deadline in February.”
While Simons could thrive as a primary scoring option alongside Jaylen Brown in Tatum’s absence, his defensive shortcomings and expiring contract make him a prime trade candidate. If he performs well early in the season, his value could skyrocket, potentially allowing Boston to package him for additional frontcourt help or draft assets. Alternatively, a strong start could tempt the Celtics to retain him as they aim to compete in a wide-open Eastern Conference, especially if Tatum returns ahead of schedule.
The decision to trade Pritchard underscores Boston’s commitment to retooling around their core of Tatum, Brown, and White while addressing their frontcourt deficiencies. With only Neemias Queta and Xavier Tillman Sr. as experienced bigs under contract, the Celtics are reportedly prioritizing the addition of a starting-caliber center. Speculation has swirled around potential targets, including a blockbuster trade proposal for Sacramento Kings’ All-Star Domantas Sabonis, which would involve Simons, Hauser, and draft picks.
For now, Boston’s hypothetical rotation includes Brown, White, Simons, Hauser, Queta, Tillman, Georges Niang, JD Davison, and rookie Hugo Gonzalez. The addition of a frontcourt player via the Pritchard trade could solidify this group, but the Celtics’ lack of size and rebounding remains a concern. As Joe Mazzulla’s squad leans into its trademark three-point-heavy style, the youth and athleticism of players like Simons and Gonzalez will be critical in maintaining a fast-paced, high-octane offense.
The Eastern Conference is ripe with opportunity, and despite their roster upheaval, the Celtics remain competitive. Jaylen Brown, coming off a season where he averaged 22.2 points and 5.8 rebounds despite an injured knee, will be the focal point of Boston’s offense. Derrick White, with his two-way versatility, is poised to take on a larger role, while Hauser’s sharpshooting (rated among the best in NBA 2K26) provides much-needed spacing.
However, the loss of Pritchard, a sparkplug off the bench, could impact Boston’s depth. The Celtics are projected to finish with a 39-43 record, potentially securing a play-in spot, but their championship aspirations are on hold until Tatum’s return. For now, Stevens is playing the long game, balancing financial flexibility with the need to stay competitive.
As the 2025-26 season looms, the Celtics are a team in flux, navigating a delicate balance between immediate competitiveness and long-term planning. Trading Payton Pritchard is a bold statement that Boston is willing to make tough choices to build a roster capable of contending when Tatum returns. Whether this gamble pays off remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the Celtics are far from done reshaping their future.