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5d ago

Celtics Elevate Payton Pritchard, Reposition Anfernee Simons as Sixth Man

Losing Jayson Tatum for next season under a ruptured Achilles has forced Boston to lean on internal development with expiring contracts filling out its roster as it closes in on luxury-tax limits.

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The exterior of Dexter Family Planning is pictured in Dexter, Maine, on Aug. 28, 2019.
Payton Pritchard #11 of the Boston Celtics watches a play against the Charlotte Hornets during second half at the TD Garden on April 13, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts.
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Overview

  • Boston will elevate Payton Pritchard into its starting lineup after he won Sixth Man of the Year and averaged 14.3 points in 2024-25.
  • Anfernee Simons, acquired in the Jrue Holiday trade, is slated to lead the second unit as a high-usage scorer if he remains on the roster.
  • Despite actively shopping his expiring $27.7 million contract, the Celtics have yet to find a trade partner for Simons.
  • Trades of Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porziņģis and Georges Niang have trimmed payroll so Boston is close to the NBA’s second luxury-tax apron.
  • Jayson Tatum’s season-ending Achilles injury underpinned a shift toward roster continuity and cost-controlled options for 2025-26.