If Leonard Miller has arrived, then Payton Pritchard is his Bulls benchmark

Morris Bankston writes that Chicago Bulls reserve forward Leonard Miller should look to Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard as a contract benchmark. Following strong 2026-27 preseason performances, Bulls fans have grown eager for an extension, but Bankston argues Chicago and executive vice president Bryson Graham should not rush negotiations.

The article notes Pritchard's recent two-year, $44.2 million deal, alongside contracts for Ayo Dosunmu, Alex Caruso, and Andrew Nembhard, sets a market value near 11.5 to 12 percent of the salary cap. Bankston contends Miller must consistently prove he can operate as an elite sixth man or fringe starter before securing a comparable projected $20.2 million annual salary.