Sometimes, a divorce between an NBA player and his team is inevitable. For whatever reason, something isn’t working. Reports suggest that the player is unhappy or that the team is shopping him. Sometimes, reports will suggest both of those things.
Take Malcolm Brogdon and the Boston Celtics. Earlier this summer, we heard that the Celtics were concerned with Brogdon’s health. Now, we’re hearing that Brogdon is angry with the organization. One way or another, a divorce feels inevitable here. Eventually, we’re likely to see Brogdon on a different team.
Once the Celtics shop him, they’ll find suitors. Brogdon is an extremely useful player. This is a combo guard who can set up teammates and create offense. Brogdon is also a solid defender and a well-respected veteran around the league. Here are three teams that we think should be taking a look at him.
Los Angeles Clippers
Realistically, the Los Angeles Clippers have to take a look at Brogdon. This team has plenty of depth – but they’re light on quality guards. A player like Brogdon could be the missing piece this team needs to contend for the NBA title.
Sure, the Clippers have Russell Westbrook. In this year’s playoffs, he looked like he still had some gas in the tank. Still, let’s be honest here. Westbrook is not the easiest player to fit into a team concept. By contrast, Brogdon is portable. He’s capable of fulfilling several roles. On paper, there’s no question that he’d be an excellent addition to this team.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Malcolm Brogdon, Boston Celtics & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
In practice, those injury concerns are troubling for the Clippers. They’re already built around injury-prone players – can they afford another health risk? If the front office decides that they can’t, the Celtics may have to look elsewhere in their bid to move Brogdon.
Houston Rockets
Meanwhile, the Houston Rockets lost a guard who was supposed to be a major part of their roster next year. It feels wrong to talk about the basketball implications of Kevin Porter Jr.’s grotesque actions. Yet, the Rockets need to be thinking about this. Porter Jr. was supposed to be instrumental in this team’s rotation.
Will they be able to move him? It’s difficult to say. Any team acquiring Porter Jr. will take a PR hit. At the same time, any team trading for him would cut him instantly. They’d be making a move for the cap relief he provides – and the draft capital that the Rockets would need to attach to his deal to entice a team to take him on.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Malcolm Brogdon, Boston Celtics & Houston Rockets Updates
Could the Celtics be that team? We’ll see. A first-round pick and an expiring deal could entice them. On the other hand, the Celtics may prefer to move Brogdon for a win-now contributor. In that event, the Rockets won’t be able to help them. Could this next team do so?
Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns could use Brogdon. Do they have the pieces to acquire him? That’s a different story. It’s difficult to imagine the Suns acquiring Brogdon without including Deandre Ayton in a deal.
Could the Celtics be interested in Ayton? That’s possible. The Celtics may be looking for a replacement for the oft-injured Robert Williams III. Still, if Phoenix is making Ayton available, they may be looking for more than just Brogdon in return. Sure. Where there’s a will, there’s typically a way in the National Basketball Association.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Malcolm Brogdon, Boston Celtics & Phoenix Suns Updates
Could the Suns flip Ayton for Brogdon and Williams III? Alternatively, could they get a third team involved to trade Ayton for Brogdon and another contributor? Time will tell. Still, the Suns could use Brogdon – even if his divorce from the Celtics feels inevitable, he’s a useful player.
Want the latest in NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
