Celtics, Payton Pritchard, Lakers, Luka Doncic, Chris Jent, Nuggets

The Celtics have trimmed payroll this offseason, moving out Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis and most recently Georges Niang. But Payton Pritchard isn’t backing off from the team’s expectations.

“We’re definitely trying to be a playoff team. We’re trying to win a championship,” Pritchard said on the Celtics Talk Podcast with NBC Sports Boston’s Chris Forsberg. “It’s not even about playoffs, we have one standard in Boston and it’s to win a championship.”

That may seem like a tall order with Jayson Tatum likely out for the season due to a torn Achilles and with veterans like Holiday and Porzingis no longer around. But Pritchard, last season’s Sixth Man of the Year, said the belief in the locker room hasn’t wavered.

“Everybody in that locker room will have the goal of competing for a championship. And we will do everything in our power necessary to go for that,” he said.

Pritchard admitted losing teammates like Holiday, Porzingis and Luke Kornet “definitely sucks,” but he’s optimistic that others will rise to the occasion.

“There’s a lot of opportunities across the board,” he said. “For me, personally, I’m excited every year. Because it’s an opportunity to prove myself again, to show that I can take another step. I’m definitely hungry and motivated this year.”

Details on Celtics’ seconds

As we relayed, the Celtics have traded Niang and a pair of second-round picks to the Jazz in exchange for rookie RJ Luis Jr. The second-rounders are either Boston’s or Orlando’s 2027 pick (whichever is more favorable) and either Boston’s or Cleveland’s 2031 pick (also the more favorable of the two), according to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports.

Utah used part of the $26.6 million trade exception they created in last month’s John Collins deal to absorb Niang, who was traded to Boston earlier in the summer before the team shifted direction.

Doncic Embraces LA Spotlight

Dan Woike of The Athletic reported on Luka Doncic’s recent extension with the Lakers and the celebration that followed in Las Vegas, attended by new team owner Mark Walter, governor Jeanie Buss, head coach JJ Redick and several teammates.

“He’s only looking forward. And he’s here,” said Doncic’s manager, Lara Beth Seager. “He wants to get the best players here. He wants to win, and he knows it starts with him… I think that’s what he proved this offseason.”

Doncic reportedly pushed back against critics who questioned his leadership, vowing to show who he really is. The Lakers will hope that translates into deep playoff runs with their newest superstar locked in.

Weinar Withdraws from Knicks Job Search

Pacers assistant Mike Weinar has pulled his name from consideration for the Knicks’ lead assistant job, according to multiple reports.

Stefan Bondy of the New York Post and Ian Begley of SNY reported and confirmed that Weinar is stepping away due to family considerations.

The Knicks had interest in Weinar for the role of offensive coordinator under Mike Brown, but that search will now continue.

Hornets assistant Chris Jent remains in the mix, with Begley reporting that New York’s interest in him is real.

Jent led Charlotte to the Summer League title last month and previously spent time on the benches of the Hawks and Lakers. He also served as interim head coach for the Magic during the final stretch of the 2004-05 season.

Bowen Takes Over in Grand Rapids

Former NBA forward and longtime Nuggets assistant Ryan Bowen is the new head coach of the Grand Rapids Gold, Denver’s G League affiliate.

Bowen replaces Andre Miller, who is stepping away after three seasons to pursue other coaching opportunities.

“Ryan brings a championship mindset, years of experience, and a deep connection to the Nuggets system,” Gold president Steve Jbara said. “We’re thrilled to welcome him to Grand Rapids.”

Bowen spent 10 of his 12 seasons as an assistant with Denver. His coaching résumé includes the Nuggets’ 2023 title and extensive player development work under Michael Malone.