Victor Wembanyama has the potential to change the NBA. That’s not an exaggeration. Wembanyama should be a perennial MVP candidate when he hits his prime. After all, he’s already a good NBA player.
It hasn’t translated to wins for his San Antonio Spurs. It’s been a difficult season in San Antonio. Nobody needs to be overreacting here. The Spurs are young, and they’re focused on the future.
Still, it could benefit them to bring in some quality veterans. The Spurs should be looking to get more competitive ahead of 2024-25. If they’re going to do that, they’re going to need a point guard.
How about Malcolm Brogdon of the Portland Trail Blazers?
NBA Trade Proposal: San Antonio Spurs Land Portland Trail Blazers’ Malcolm Brogdon
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: F Doug McDermott, G Devonte’ Graham, 2026 First-Round Pick (Lottery Protected – SAS)
San Antonio Spurs Receive: G Malcolm Brogdon
Wembanyama would always be the first pick in the 2023 NBA draft. That’s been a foregone conclusion for years now. That said, the second overall pick was a source of much debate.
For a while, it seemed predestined to be Scoot Henderson. When the Charlotte Hornets landed the pick, things changed. With LaMelo Ball on their roster, the Hornets didn’t want a primary ball-handler. They’d end up selecting Brandon Miller.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Malcolm Brogdon, Portland Trail Blazers, San Antonio Spurs Updates
So far, it’s looked like the right call. Miller is having a strong rookie season, and Henderson is struggling. With that said, it’s far too early to write Henderson off.
Does this deal make his life easier?
Why The Portland Trail Blazers Do The Deal
Realistically, Henderson has likely benefitted from Brogdon’s mentorship. Still, Portland will eventually have to clear the runway for their young lottery pick. Brogdon, to an extent, is in his way.
Still, that’s not what this deal is about for the Blazers. It’s about landing a lottery-protected first-rounder. That feels like fair value for Brogdon. He’s aging, and he’s an injury liability as well.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Malcolm Brogdon, Portland Trail Blazers, San Antonio Spurs Updates
Otherwise, Portland should also be happy to take on McDermott’s expiring contract. Graham has an extra year on his deal, but it isn’t onerous.
Should the Spurs be taking on Brogdon’s contract?
Why The San Antonio Spurs Do The Deal
Well, Brogdon’s deal doesn’t run for much longer either. Meanwhile, most of the Spurs’ most significant players are on rookie contracts. They can afford Brogdon.
Functionally, they also need him. The Spurs are desperate for point guard play. Trae Jones is solid, but he’s a backup. Meanwhile, Jeremy Sochan has been an interesting experiment, but he looks like a forward with some playmaking skills – not a point guard.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Malcolm Brogdon, Portland Trail Blazers, San Antonio Spurs Updates
Besides, Brogdon shouldn’t kill their lottery odds ahead of the 2024 draft – after all, he hasn’t done the same for the Blazers. If he slightly impacts their odds, that’s not a big deal either – the Spurs already have Wembanyama.
