The Portland Trail Blazers were the talk of the NBA this summer. We all waited for them to move Damian Lillard. When they finally did, the return was surprising. Why did the Blazers want Jrue Holiday?
They didn’t. The Blazers wanted to trade Holiday. They didn’t take long to find a suitor for the elite two-way guard. The Blazers traded Holiday to the Boston Celtics.
It wasn’t such a surprise when Malcolm Brogdon was part of the return. By now, the script was out – the Blazers would take on veterans and trade them later.
Could they send Brogdon to the New York Knicks?
NBA Trade Proposal: New York Knicks Land Portland Trail Blazers’ Malcolm Brogdon
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: G/F Evan Fournier, 2024 First-Round Pick (Lottery Protected – NYK)
New York Knicks Receive: G Malcolm Brogdon
For some time after the Lillard deal, the NBA’s trade market was quiet. Recently, things have heated back up. The Knicks acquired O.G. Anunoby from the Toronto Raptors.
It was an interesting acquisition. Some loved it, and others didn’t care for it. Anunoby is an elite role player. He’s also on an expiring contract. If the Knicks are going to commit major money to a guy, shouldn’t they have an MVP candidate on their roster?
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Malcolm Brogdon, Portland Trail Blazers, New York Knicks Updates
Perhaps. On the other hand, the Knicks have found a lot of success by building around Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson. They also have enough assets to trade for another star. This team has a lot of talent, and the means to improve.
Should they give up an asset for Brogdon?
Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal
Some Knicks fans won’t be sure about this. We understand. Shouldn’t they hang onto their assets until they can fetch a star? Why are they giving up this pick?
Well, the Knicks have other picks. They can spare one. Meanwhile, they’ve been linked to names like Donovan Mitchell and Karl-Anthony Towns.
Mitchell may not be an optimal fit alongside Brunson as a fellow small guard, and the Wolves aren’t likely to part with Towns while they’re on top of the West.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Malcolm Brogdon, Portland Trail Blazers, New York Knicks Updates
So, why not punt on the star trade? In the meantime, Brogdon is a perfect replacement for the departed Immanuel Quickley. He can carry this team’s second unit while spacing the floor and defending alongside the starters.
Should Portland part with such a useful player?
Why The Portland Trail Blazers Do The Deal
The Blazers should move Brogdon by the deadline. Most of the exciting young players on this team are guards. Brogdon has likely been a good mentor for Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, and Anfernee Simons, but that mentorship has likely served its purpose by now.
So why not move him for a first-round pick? Sure, this selection is lottery-protected. It would take a catastrophe for the Knicks to land in the lottery at this point. This pick will convey.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Malcolm Brogdon, Portland Trail Blazers, New York Knicks Updates
Meanwhile, taking on Fournier’s expiring contract is a benefit as well. The Blazers will shed some salary by making this deal. That will help them next summer – whether they’re the talk of the league or not.
