Every team in the NBA has to have a plan. Recently, we’ve seen the Portland Trail Blazers execute a strong one. This team keeps downgrading their point guard – and picking up assets in the process.

First, the Blazers sent Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks. Interestingly, they received Jrue Holiday in the deal. He was always too good of a veteran to stick on this rebuilding team. Now, he’s a Boston Celtic. The Blazers acquired Malcolm Brogdon as part of the package for Holiday. Now, we can assume that he’ll be on the move as well.

The Blazers won’t get the same type of return that they got for Lillard or Holiday for Brogdon. He’s not the same caliber of player, and moreover, there are concerns about his health and his contract. With that said, Brogdon remains a useful player that should garner interest. Here are three teams that we think ought to take a look at him.

Los Angeles Clippers

The Los Angeles Clippers need a point guard. They were linked to Jrue Holiday, but a deal never materialized. They’re linked to James Harden, but a three-team deal involving Holiday felt like the most promising avenue toward landing him. Perhaps they’ll still find a way to the Beard, but if they can’t, they’ll need to explore other avenues. 

Is Brogdon a point guard? That’s a largely subjective question. If anything, he’s a combo guard. Brogdon can pilot a team’s offense for stretches, but he’s also an effective off-ball player. That ought to do for the Clippers. They’ll have Brogdon in a platoon with Russell Westbrook. Between the pair, the Clippers would have enough depth at the position. 

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Malcolm Brogdon, Portland Trail Blazers & Los Angeles Clippers Updates

With that said, the Clippers could have concerns about Brogdon’s health. This team is already among the highest injury-risk groups in the NBA. If that dissuades them from acquiring Brogdon, the Blazers may need to look elsewhere to find a suitor for him.

Miami Heat

The Miami Heat may need a point guard as well. Arguably, they’re the biggest losers from the Lillard trade. You could argue that they were the biggest losers from the Holiday trade as well. The Heat were linked to both star guards – especially Lillard – and they came up short in each pursuit. 

Could Brogdon suffice? We think so. The Heat don’t necessarily need to add a superstar. After all, this team is fresh off of an NBA Finals appearance. Any upgrade in their backcourt would go a long way. If he’s healthy, Brogdon is a comfortably better option than Kyle Lowry at this stage of his career. 

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Malcolm Brogdon, Portland Trail Blazers & Miami Heat Updates

Do the Heat have the right package? That’s a different question. Duncan Robinson’s contract would be a starting point. Otherwise, it’s hard to identify who else the Heat would trade. Neither Jaime Jacquez Jr. nor Nikola Jovic earn enough to make the money match, and moving both may not be tenable for the Heat. If there’s no deal to be made here, the Blazers may look elsewhere.

Houston Rockets

One of these things is not like the other. We understand that. The Miami Heat and Los Angeles Clippers are both hoping to be title contenders next season. If any Houston Rockets fan is holding out for title contention, they may want to take a hard, long look in the mirror. 

Yet, by all accounts, the Rockets are looking to take a step forward next season. Recently, that plan may have had a setback. Due to a horrendous assault allegation, Kevin Porter Jr. is not going to be with the team next year. He was expected to be a key rotation player as a catch-and-shoot weapon who can create some offense from scratch when needed. 

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Malcolm Brogdon, Portland Trail Blazers & Houston Rockets Updates

Guess who fits that description? Realistically, a healthy Brogdon is a more impactful player than Porter Jr. He’s also a consummate professional who would benefit the young players on this team. The Rockets should be taking a serious look at Brogdon – improvement was always part of the plan this season. 

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