A Potential Malcolm Brogdon Trade That Would Address Multiple Needs For Boston Celtics

This hypothetical trade scenario sends Malcolm Brogdon to the San Antonio Spurs.

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At the end of June, it was strongly rumored that the Boston Celtics were sending Malcolm Brogdon to the Los Angeles Clippers as part of a three-team trade for Kristaps Porzingis. Reportedly, concerns over Brogdon’s forearm injury caused the Clippers’ front office to back out.

Despite this setback, Brogdon is expected to be available for regular-season play in October. This is why the decision to pursue an offseason trade is crucial for Boston’s front office, as the 30-year-old could reassert himself as a key part of the rotation or burden them with injuries.

In an ideal scenario, the Celtics deal Malcolm Brogdon to the San Antonio Spurs for Tre Jones and Zach Collins.

Last season, Jones averaged a career-high 12.9 points, 6.6 assists, and 3.6 rebounds per game. The 23 year-old guard is known to have excellent court vision, most notably as the pick-and-roll ball-handler.

The other piece of this mock trade, Collins, finished last season with a career-high 11.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game. The 6-foot-11 center is an all-around offensive force and above-average in post defense.

Though Brodgon is the reigning Sixth Man of the Year, Boston would benefit from adding more depth to their rotation. The expectation is that Jones would fill Brogdon’s role, while Collins serves as a back-up to the injury-prone Porzingis and Robert Williams III.

Additionally, San Antonio’s two players are both signed to team-friendly contracts, with Jones set to earn $20 million over two years and Collins accounting for $7.7 million next season. On the other end of the deal, Brogdon’s contract is priced at $45 million over two years.

Assuming that Brogdon is used as a starter for the Spurs, it’s worth noting his recent stats within this role. During his 146 starts with the Indiana Pacers, Brogdon averaged 18.9 points, 6.3 assists, and 5.1 rebounds over 32.9 minutes.

Based on his 67 regular-season appearances as a Celtic, Brodgon averaged 14.9 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists over 26 minutes. His pace, however, when adjusted to per 36 minutes, rivals that of his career-best.

Jones shows promise for future development, but San Antonio only has a small sample size of the guard’s capabilities. Contrastingly, Brogdon’s production rate has been relatively consistent over the past five seasons.

San Antonio must also consider which option is best for the 19-year-old Victor Wembanyama, who is expected to be the franchise’s next superstar. It’s likely the incoming rookie would benefit more from a veteran floor general.

In regard to Collins, the big man has one year left on his current deal and will be competing against Wembanyama and Jeremy Sochan for minutes. Also, the Spurs would have ample salary cap to fill his loss by signing a free agent, such as Christian Wood. 

Overall, Boston would add needed depth to their rotation with the youthful Jones and Collins, while San Antonio acquires an established, reputable star in Brogdon. It's likely that the Spurs would also be dealt draft picks. 

Further Reading

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