The Portland Trail Blazers were at the forefront of every NBA fan’s mind this summer. How could they not be? Damian Lillard’s trade request dominated the headlines.
In the end, they’d send Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks. They received Jrue Holiday in return – and traded him as well. Now, they’ve got Malcolm Brogdon on their roster as a result.
In all likelihood, he won’t stick either. This has been an interesting strategy on Portland’s behalf. They’ve continuously traded veterans for worse veterans – with assets attached.
Give Portland credit for ingenuity, but eventually, they’ll have to resolve the situation entirely. They’re widely expected to shop Brogdon throughout the year.
In theory, they could get a first-round pick for him. In practice, Brogdon’s poor durability was always likely to impact his trade value. A first-rounder may be a lot to ask since he’s already been hurt this year.
Could the Blazers send him to the Los Angeles Lakers anyway?
NBA Trade Proposal: Los Angeles Lakers Land Portland Trail Blazers’ Malcolm Brogdon
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: F Rui Hachimura, F/C Jaxson Hayes, G/F Cam Reddish
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G Malcolm Brogdon
By contrast, the Lakers flew under the radar. They were not a major focus throughout the NBA this summer. Sure, the Lakers made some moves – but they were mostly marginal. For the most part, they targeted young players. Why?
It’s hard to say. The Lakers could have a couple of motivations for their moves. On the one hand, they may be preparing for the future. LeBron James is nearing retirement. The Lakers may feel that they need to have quality young players in place for that time.
Alternatively, they could be preparing for a trade. This Lakers team feels like it’s a piece away from title contention. With so many young players on the roster, they’ll have an easier time acquiring that piece.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Malcolm Brogdon, Portland Trail Blazers, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Like the Blazers, they may be making moves with the next move in mind – the Lakers could be playing chess.
Is Brogdon a piece worth acquiring?
Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal
In theory, Brogdon is the perfect piece for the Lakers. Unfortunately, he is a significant injury concern. Yet, that’s part of the appeal for the Lakers here, too.
This deal allows them to acquire a potentially significant player while hanging onto their remaining draft capital at the same time.
Could they make another move? Sure. The Lakers could package D’Angelo Russell with a few more contracts and some draft capital to land an even higher-caliber player.
Still, that’s not what we’re talking about here. We’re talking about Brogdon. What does he bring to the table for Los Angeles?
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Malcolm Brogdon, Portland Trail Blazers, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
A little bit of everything, actually. Brogdon is a strong defender, a knockdown shooter, and a capable playmaker. This is exactly the type of guard who ought to thrive alongside James.
Should the Blazers really part with him?
Why The Portland Trail Blazers Do The Deal
The Blazers are acquiring three young players here, and we’re going to discuss each of them. We’ll start with Hachimura. He’s generally failed to replicate his playoff success from last season in 2023-24, but he’s still flashed enough potential for Portland to be interested. He’s an athletic, versatile wing who can create his own shot.
Reddish…is not. He’s been disappointing throughout his NBA career so far. In fact, he’d be reuniting with a Blazers team that only recently decided that they weren’t interested in him. That’s fine. In all honesty, Reddish is only here to make the money work.
By contrast, Hayes is here for a reason. Robert Williams III recently suffered a season-ending injury. That wasn’t a surprise.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Malcolm Brogdon, Portland Trail Blazers, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Williams III is among the most injury-prone players in the league, so it’s logical for the Blazers to bring in another young big man. Adding Hayes may not make the headlines, but that’s fine – the Blazers have had enough of that.
