The endless trade cycle of the Portland Trail Blazers persists. Damian Lillard was sent to the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for a package concentrated on Jrue Holiday. The franchise then dealt Jrue Holiday to the Boston Celtics for a group of players centered on Malcolm Brogdon.
Rinse, then repeat.
Deandre Ayton and Robert Williams are expected to remain on the Blazers’ roster, while Brogdon is now surplus to requirements. The Blazers’ rotation is filled with inexperienced guards who will receive more playing time than the reigning Sixth Man of the Year.
Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reports that teams are anticipated to express interest in the 30-year-old. Last season, Brogdon averaged 14.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists while shooting.484/.444/.870 in 26.0 minutes per game.
He does not have the same reputation as Lillard or Holiday (nor should he), but prior to his transfer to Boston, Brogdon was the offensive focal point for the Indiana Pacers. He has flourished in both supporting roles and lead roles. Brogdon is dealing with an elbow injury, and teams presumably view him as more of a role player than a franchise-altering player, but he’s good enough to raise the ceiling of several teams’ competitiveness.
Here are three organizations that should pursue the Atlanta native with particular vigor.
No. 3 Los Angeles Clippers are the trade destination for Malcolm Brogdon.
Throughout the summer, the Los Angeles Clippers have been on the periphery of James Harden trade talks, poking their head in but never gathering traction. Harden remains the ultimate prize for Los Angeles, but it’s clear the Clippers would hesitate to spend real assets on a 34-year-old with Harden’s track record of injuries, postseason collapses, and uncomfortable departures.
If the Clippers forsake their pursuit of Harden, they need look no further than Brogdon. He is not nearly as accomplished, but he is extremely low maintenance and his skill set complements the Clippers’ current roster.
Brogdon is capable of operating with or without the object. In addition to being one of the greatest spot-up shooters in the NBA, he is also adept at operating out of pick-and-rolls and directing the offense. Brogdon lacks an elite first stride and exceptional athleticism, but he is strong, crafty, and intelligent. He plays with tremendous composure, consistently making the right read and never getting rushed.
Brogdon would likely start at point guard ahead of Russell Westbrook, but he could also start alongside Westbrook. Los Angeles has a nice depth chart, complete with mid-tier salaries like Norman Powell, Robert Covington, and Marcus Morris. Los Angeles would have to give up something to match Brogdon’s $22.5 million contract, but the price should be low enough to make the Clippers a genuine candidate.
