NBA experts say the same thing about Payton Pritchard’s contract extension

Time was winding down and many were wondering if Payton Pritchard and the Celtics would agree to an extension before the season started. There was no need to worry, as Boston came to terms with the shooter a few days before the deadline.

Pritchard agreed to a two-year, $44.2 million extension. The extension begins during the 2028-29 season.

Selected 26th overall in the 2020 NBA Draft, Pritchard averaged a career-high 17.0 points, 5.2 assists and 3.9 rebounds per game last season. If the Celtics and Pritchard did not reach an agreement before October 19, they could have reconsidered contract negotiations in July 2027.

What caught the attention of NBA experts: a mutual option for 2029-30. If neither side picks up the option in the final year of the deal, Pritchard becomes a free agent.

NBA Experts React to Payton Pritchard’s Celtics Contract Extension

Many experts have expressed the value of the extension Pritchard signed, with one expert calling it a “beneficial contract.”

Considering Payton Pritchard had two years left on his contract, I’m a little surprised an extension happened now versus next offseason. The $22 million AAV shows how Boston views Pritchard as an important part of its rotation. He should undoubtedly return positive value on this contract.

— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) October 13, 2026

Since Payton Pritchard had two years remaining on his contract, he would not have been eligible to sign an in-season extension, which is why the Celtics are signing him to a 2-year, $44.2 million contract today with a mutual option for the 2029-30 season. Excellent value for money for Boston.

— Brett Siegel (@BrettSiegelNBA) October 13, 2026

Payton Pritchard got a slightly larger contract than Brandon Podziemski, at $22.1 million per year. The only difference is that Pritchard has a two-year extension. Great job by Brad Stevens and the Celtics in making this happen! https://t.co/dn4JX0syIQ

— Ian Inangelo (@iinangelo) October 13, 2026

Good safety for Pritchard; another high-value extension for the Celtics. $22 million at the start of the deal is 12% of the cap. Pritchard said this summer he was in no rush to extend, but the off-season market might have pushed him.

— Chris Forsberg (@ChrisForsberg_) October 13, 2026

Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard has agreed to a two-year contract extension worth $44.2 million. Last year he was basically the best contract in the league outside of rookie contracts aside from teammate Neemias Queta https://t.co/3EfwF2VKEB

– Lev Akabas (@LevAkabas) October 13, 2026

Another great deal for Celtics Payton Pritchard at this price is as good as it gets

– Noa Dalzell 🏀 (@NoaDalzell) October 13, 2026

And there is the deserved salary for Payton Pritchard. It’s good for all parties to do this before the season. From requesting out-of-town trade to earning 6MOY and making $22 million per year 💰

– Daniel Donabedian (@danield1214) October 13, 2026

This is the region of Peyton Watson, Christian Braun, Shaedon Shapre, PJ Washington and Ayo Dosunmu, salary-wise. This looks like another team-friendly deal, especially after Podziemski’s 5-year extension as the cap space continues to rise. We’ll have more at Celtics-Hornets tomorrow.

— Sean Grande (@SeanGrandePBP) October 13, 2026

“Stephen Curry is the only player in NBA history who matches or exceeds all of Payton Pritchard’s career marks for three-point percentage (39.4), three-point attempts per 75 possessions (8.7), and assists per 75 possessions (5.0).” https://t.co/gm3HgcR6N9

— Andy Bailey (@AndrewDBailey) October 13, 2026

Payton Pritchard contract details

Pritchard’s salary is now expected to increase from $8.3 million in 2027-28 to $21.3 million in 2028-29.

According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, Pritchard will be eligible to sign another extension starting in October 2028.

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