The Portland Trail Blazers have been the busiest team in the NBA recently. They made one trade, and then they made another. Yet, they may still have a third trade to make. This team still has some unfinished business.
Let’s recap. The Blazers sent Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks. Jrue Holiday was part of the return. The Blazers acquired him with the intention of moving him. They didn’t wait long: now, Holiday is a member of the Boston Celtics. As part of that trade, the Blazers acquired Malcolm Brogdon. Now, they’re expected to move Brogdon.
What a saga. Yet, the Blazers have been maneuvering well. They won’t get the same assets for Brogdon that they got for Lillard or Holiday, but they should still be able to get some value for him. Could they send him to the Minnesota Timberwolves?
The Trade Proposal
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: G Mike Conley, 2025 Second-Round Pick (UTA via MIN), 2029 Second-Round Pick (MIN)
Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: G Malcolm Brogdon
This is not how business is usually done in the NBA. More often, the trade is the trade. We expected the Blazers to receive a package for Lillard and be done. Instead, they did something with much more ingenuity. Could it become a trend?
Think about it. Who says that a team has to keep a player that they acquire? Portland was smart to find a player with value on a comparable contract to Lillard. They got two additional first-round picks for Holiday. Suddenly, the package that they got for Lillard looks fantastic in the aggregate. Give this front office a round of applause.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Malcolm Brogdon, Portland Trail Blazers & Minnesota Timberwolves Updates
We’ll see if their decisions influence the trade market moving forward. There was plenty that was unique about this deal. Besides the acquisition of Holiday, it was notable that Portland didn’t send Lillard to the Miami Heat. Should they continue by trading Brogdon?
Why The Portland Trail Blazers Do The Deal
The Lillard deal may not be done. It is close to completion. At this point, they’re not likely to get much more. After all, Brogdon is injury prone. Some around the league see his contract as having negative value.
Does Portland have to rush to move him? Not at all. They could justify hanging onto him and showcasing him. He could net them another first-round pick if he stays healthy and plays well. On the other hand, if he gets injured, he may not net them anything at all.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Malcolm Brogdon, Portland Trail Blazers & Minnesota Timberwolves Updates
So, we’ve got Portland playing it safe. They still get to have a veteran mentor on the roster in Conley. Moreover, they ought to like that his deal is expiring. Finally, a pair of second-round picks still hold some value in future trades down the line. Should the Timberwolves give those picks up for Brogdon?
Why The Minnesota Timberwolves Do The Deal
For the Wolves, the logic here is simple. Brogdon is an upgrade over Conley. He’s a bit younger. At this point, he’s a much better defender and likely a more impactful offensive player.
Is he an injury risk? Sure. Isn’t Conley as well? He may not have the same history of troubles. At Conley’s age, that’s practically a moot point. He’s at a stage in his career where he could get shut down. The Wolves should be willing to take a risk on Brogdon’s health.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Malcolm Brogdon, Portland Trail Blazers & Minnesota Timberwolves Updates
After all, there’s pressure on this team to win. The Wolves made a huge win-now to acquire Rudy Gobert last summer. It didn’t look like it was paying off in 2022-23. This organization needs a bounce-back season, and Brogdon could help them make it. If he’s available, it’s time for the Timberwolves to get busy.
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