An NBA player isn’t likely to spend his entire career on the same team anymore. When problems emerge between a player and a team, they’re less likely to work through them than ever before. In all likelihood, there’s going to be a trade.
Apparently, there are problems between Malcolm Brogdon and the Boston Celtics. This has felt like an issue for some time. It was reported earlier in the offseason that the Celtics were concerned about Brogdon’s health. Now, we’re hearing that Brogdon is upset with the organization. A divorce between these two sides may only be a matter of time.
Meanwhile, it’s over between Kevin Porter Jr. and the Houston Rockets. In all likelihood, Porter Jr.’s time in the league has come to an end. After committing a horrific act of domestic assault, Porter Jr. is likely finished. The Rockets are looking to trade him – or, more specifically, his expiring contract along with some draft capital. Could the Boston Celtics send them Brogdon in return?
The Trade Proposal
Boston Celtics Receive: G/F Kevin Porter Jr., F Jae’Sean Tate, 2025 First-Round Pick (Swap – HOU or BKN)
Houston Rockets Receive: G Malcolm Brogdon
It feels wrong to discuss the basketball implications of Porter Jr.’s actions. There is a lot to unpack here. There are no ambiguities about his actions – they were reprehensible. With that said, there are some grey areas surrounding how the Rockets ought to respond to this situation. Could they really look to move Porter Jr.?
Some will say that they’re wrong for trying. To be sure, the optics of trying to benefit from this situation are ugly. At the same time, the Rockets don’t benefit. Now, they’re faced with a choice – cut Porter Jr. without replacing a valuable rotation player, or move him and surrender assets in the process. The Rockets do not stand to benefit here.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Malcolm Brogdon, Boston Celtics & Houston Rockets Updates
Look at this deal. Brogdon is allegedly an injury concern. The Rockets are a young team – giving up draft capital for a veteran isn’t typically advisable at this stage in a rebuild. The Rockets ought to be hoarding assets. Now that we think about it – should the Rockets make this deal at all?
Why The Houston Rockets Do The Deal
The Rockets need to do their homework before making this trade. They need to determine whether Brogdon is likely to be healthy for the year. If he is, this still isn’t perfect. Porter Jr. was supposed to be this team’s catch-and-shoot specialist. Brogdon is not a precise replacement. There are concerns here.
Specifically, Brogdon would take touches away from rookie Amen Thompson with the second unit. This is the reigning Sixth Man of the Year. Brogdon is capable of piloting an offense, and he isn’t the most efficient catch-and-shoot player in the NBA. Are we sure about this?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Malcolm Brogdon, Boston Celtics & Houston Rockets Updates
Clearly, we’re not. At the same time, it’s distinctly part of Houston’s plan to make notable improvements this year. Porter Jr. was part of that plan. Meanwhile, Brogdon is likely the best rotation player they’ll have a shot at landing – he should be an upgrade over Porter Jr. The Rockets can sort Thompson’s role out later – if improvement is the goal this year, Brogdon is a good target. Should the Celtics give him up?
Why The Boston Celtics Do The Deal
The Celtics do this deal if Brogdon is truly unhappy. After all, if he’s an injury risk, it will be hard to land a first-round pick from him if a team isn’t desperate. If we haven’t been clear, the Rockets are desperate. This deal has the Celtics exploiting that desperation.
Meanwhile, Tate would be a suitable replacement for the departed Grant Williams. He’s not as reliable of a shooter, but he is a comparable defender. Tate is a slightly more dynamic playmaker as well. This is a solid role player who will find a place in Boston’s rotation.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Malcolm Brogdon, Boston Celtics & Houston Rockets Updates
Still, the main appeal here is the first-round pick. As contenders, Boston may not use that selection to draft a player – they’re more likely to use it in a trade. Perhaps they’ll package it for a star. Alternatively, they could use it to replace Brogdon. Whatever they do with it, they’ll look to net a player who they can build a lasting relationship with.
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