Celtics trade rumors: Boston reportedly willing to discuss Grant Williams, Payton Pritchard

BOSTON  — The Celtics aren’t scheduled to make a decide till late within the second spherical of the 2022 NBA Draft. Which will change, with Boston reportedly seeking to make a transfer to sneak into the top of the primary spherical Thursday evening.

The Celtics are among the many groups (together with the Detroit Pistons, Utah Jazz and Indiana Pacers) seeking to purchase a decide within the again half of the primary spherical, in line with Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report. Boston could even be prepared to surrender a rotation participant to accumulate that decide.

In keeping with Fischer, the Celtics are prepared to debate a deal involving gamers akin to Payton Pritchard and Grant Williams — “for the correct worth.”

The Celtics wish to improve the again finish of their roster after developing two wins wanting an NBA title, and dealing away both Williams or Pritchard for a first-round decide can be a little bit of a backwards transfer. That’s except buying and selling both of them is adopted by buying a veteran for the bench, doubtlessly with one of many a number of TPEs at Brad Stevens’ disposal this summer season.

Williams is coming off a profession season for Boston, serving because the crew’s sixth man for a lot of the 12 months. The third-year ahead turned a legit three-point menace, hitting 41.1 p.c of his makes an attempt from downtown, whereas averaging 7.8 factors per sport. He averaged 8.6 factors over his 24 playoff video games, together with a 27-point explosion in Boston’s Sport 7 win over the Milwaukee Bucks within the East semis.

Williams is signed by subsequent season at $4.3 million and is eligible for an extension this summer season. 

Pritchard acquired off to a gradual begin to his second NBA season however completed the 12 months with a team-best 41.2 taking pictures p.c from three-point vary. He performed in 71 common season video games and 24 playoff contests, and was robust off the bench earlier than struggling within the NBA Finals. Pritchard has two years left on his rookie contract.

The Celtics at present personal the No. 53 total decide on Thursday evening. In keeping with Heavy.com, Boston can be reportedly within the twenty eighth total decide on Thursday evening, which is at present owned by the Golden State Warriors.