When discussing an NBA player’s trade value, we’re not strictly talking about their on-court production. Several factors can impact a player’s market value. Their age, contract, and injury history all play a role.
With that in mind, the Portland Trail Blazers keep adding less valuable veteran guards to their roster. That may sound like a criticism, but it isn’t. Each time the Blazers send out a good guard, they get assets in return. They traded Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks for, among other assets, Jrue Holiday. After that, they sent Holiday to the Boston Celtics. Now, they roster Malcolm Brogdon as a consequence of that deal.
The Blazers aren’t expected to keep Brogdon, either. Brogdon is aging, injury prone, and expensive. He won’t net the same return that either Lillard or Holiday did. At the same time, he’s a useful rotation player that teams would be happy to add. Could one of those teams be the Houston Rockets?
The Trade Proposal
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: G/F Kevin Porter Jr., F Jae’Sean Tate, 2024 Second-Round Pick (HOU), 2024 Second-Round Pick (OKC via HOU), 2025 Second-Round Pick (OKC via HOU), 2027 Second-Round Pick (MEM via HOU)
Houston Rockets Receive: G Malcolm Brogdon
Trade value isn’t always easy to gauge, either. It’s a large part of what we do here at NBA Analysis, and on occasion, we still get it wrong. We’ll write a hypothetical trade, and two weeks later, that player goes for a different package. It’s not that we’re incompetent. Simply put, the NBA’s trade market is volatile and unpredictable.
This trade illustrates that perfectly. Given the factors around Brogdon’s value, he probably doesn’t yield a first-round pick. At the same time, his on-court production is worth one. Moreover, that’s not the only factor to consider here. After all, the Blazers are acquiring Kevin Porter Jr. in this trade.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Malcolm Brogdon, Portland Trail Blazers & Houston Rockets Updates
Well, to be specific, they’re acquiring his contract. Any team making a move for Porter Jr. would cut him as soon as possible. As it stands, the league is investigating a horrifying domestic assault charge that he’s facing. Still, any team acquiring Porter Jr. will also likely take a PR hit. Should the Blazers take that hit?
Why The Portland Trail Blazers Do The Deal
Porter Jr. may come with a PR hit. He also comes with a large salary slot. Even if Portland can’t legally cut him before that investigation concludes, they can opt out of his deal this summer. The Rockets uniquely designed Porter Jr.’s contract so that it could be terminated in the event of this type of incident.
The Blazers could use the cap relief. Next summer, they could be major players in the restricted free-agent market. If Portland sees a young player that they like, they’ll have the cap space to make a compelling offer. On the other hand, if they keep Brogdon on the roster, that becomes significantly more difficult.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Malcolm Brogdon, Portland Trail Blazers & Houston Rockets Updates
Finally, four second-round picks are, well, a lot of second-round picks. If the Blazers can net a first-rounder from anyone else, they’ll pass on this deal. Consider us skeptical. If we’re right, and Brogdon won’t yield a first, four seconds and cap relief is a good return for him. Should the Rockets send that much out?
Why The Houston Rockets Do The Deal
It feels tacky to discuss the basketball implications of the Porter Jr. incident. Yet, rest assured that Rockets general manager Rafael Stone has thought about them. His job may be on the line. This team’s ownership is expecting results after spending big in free agency this summer. Porter Jr. was supposed to be critical to producing those results.
Brogdon would be better. Functionally, he’d likely be used the same as Porter Jr. The Rockets would expect him to play off the ball alongside rookie point guard Amen Thompson, and create offense when the opportunity presents itself. Still, Brogdon is a higher-feel player than Porter Jr. He’s also a significantly better defender. Even without considering the events that led us here, Brogdon is an upgrade over Porter Jr.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Malcolm Brogdon, Portland Trail Blazers & Houston Rockets Updates
Now, let’s consider the events again. Porter Jr. has long earned a reputation as a locker-room cancer. By contrast, Brogdon is a consummate professional. This is a player who the Rockets’ young bucks would benefit from being around. Even if his trade value isn’t high, that’s invaluable for this rebuilding organization.
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