The Damian Lillard blockbuster trade has set the NBA trade business on fire. The Portland Trail Blazers do not seem to stop swapping the green to do everything they can. They’re trying to solidify their roster before the NBA 2023–2024 season starts. According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the Trail Blazers want to keep big man Robert Williams but may try to trade guard Malcolm Brogdon.
Jrue Holiday was traded by the Blazers to the Boston Celtics in exchange for guard Malcolm Brogdon, forward Robert Williams III, and two first-round picks. The Blazers plan to trade Brogdon to maintain minutes for their young guards, Scoot Henderson, Anfernee Simons, and Shaedon Sharpe. These guards form the main core of their rebuild.
That’s the current tally on Lillard trade, anyway: Portland plans to keep Robert Williams to pair with Deandre Ayton, sources say, but there has certainly been interest in veteran Malcolm Brogdon and expect teams will be calling on him. Blazers are committed to young guards. https://t.co/7vYhYNmbmZ
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 1, 2023
Prior to his trade to the Balzers, Malcolm Brogdon was expected to join one of the three teams. The Lakers, the Wolves, or the Pelicans. Other teams’ interest suggests that the Brogdon move might take place sooner rather than later. Brogdon has great value after averaging 14.9 points and 3.7 assists per game for the EC champion, Celtics last season. He was also named NBA Sixth Man of the Year last season.
However, despite having opportunities to improve, one team that has remained stagnant this off-season is the Los Angeles Clippers. While the Clippers absolutely need to add a big forward, trading for an impact guard could allow them to move Kawhi Leonard up one slot to handle the power forward situation. As of now, the Clippers have yet to make that huge trade, despite the fact that media day is less than 24 hours away.
Can the Los Angeles Clippers be the final landing spot for Malcolm Brogdon?
Malcolm is only the second player in history to win both, Rookie of the Year and Sixth Man of the Year awards. That means whichever team he goes to, he will definitely add value. In a fictitious trade, the Los Angeles Clippers receive Malcolm Brogdon, and the Portland Trail Blazers get Marcus Morris, Amir Coffey, Kobe Brown, a 2029 second-round pick (LAC), and a 2030 second-round pick (LAC).
Brogdon is expected to be the starting shooting guard for the Los Angeles Clippers. His 3PT shooting ability will allow him to space the floor for Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and Russell Westbrook. Brogdon’s average last season was 14.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game, with 44.4% from the 3PT range. The Clippers should plan to trade Brogdon as a consolidation move, giving them a scorer who can punish teams for overloading on stars.
His performance with the Celtics was impressive. The Clippers should consider trading Malcolm for a starting-level SG in exchange for a young prospect and minor draft compensation. Brogdon is a top player for the team and is a potential alternative to James Harden, which the Philadelphia 76ers are not interested in. Brogdon’s lower cost makes him a valuable asset for the Clippers.