Suns Reportedly Interested in Trading for Celtics' Malcolm Brogdon

If the Celtics move Malcolm Brogdon in a salary dump, it'll be with two goals in mind.

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As the Celtics aim for better positional balance and figure out how to navigate the restrictive nature of the NBA's new collective bargaining agreement, Malcolm Brogdon's time in Boston could end up being a one-year fling.

The reigning Sixth Man of the Year was quite valuable during the regular season, nearly shooting his way into the 50/40/90 club for the second time in his career, faring 48.4 percent from the field, knocking down a career-best 44.4 percent of the 4.4 threes he hoisted, the fourth-highest accuracy rate in the NBA, and converting on 87 percent of his free throws.

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However, the partial tear he suffered in the tendon coming out of his right elbow that leads into his forearm, an injury he said has him contemplating surgery, compromised his playoff production.

The former Virginia Cavalier averaged 5.7 points against the Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals and shot 30.8 percent from the field, making less than one three per contest on 16.7 percent shooting beyond the arc.

The partial tear he sustained is the latest addition to a concerning injury history that led to the Celtics bringing Brogdon off the bench, trying to ensure he was at his best in the postseason.

Durability concerns and his being on Boston's books for $22.5 million for 2023-24 and 2024-25 could result in him playing elsewhere next season.

As previously examined, there are realistic returns that shed short-term salary, are affordable in the long term, and can bring in someone capable of starting alongside Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown while providing better positional balance.

But the organization may decide it has to part with Brogdon in what's primarily a salary dump.

The Celtics seem focused on preserving the partnership of Brown, who's eligible for a five-year, $295 million veteran supermax extension this summer, and Tatum, who's qualified for a contract of the same length, worth $318 million that he can sign for next offseason.

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Teams over the second apron in the NBA's new collective bargaining agreement will have to figure out how to build out their roster without the mid-level exception and trade restrictions that include not being able to package players to match the salary of an incoming player. And in a one-for-one swap, the inbound salary must be equal to or lower than what's outbound.

Boston's currently nearly $11.5 million from the second apron, according to Spotrac. Repeater penalties will make roster building even more challenging.

With teams around the league understanding the Celtics will have to make sacrifices, starting this summer, Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports reports the Suns have registered interest in acquiring Brogdon.

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Such a deal would presumably spell the end of Chris Paul's time in Phoenix, but with him making $30.8 million for the 2023-24 campaign, he wouldn't be Boston bound in this hypothetical trade.

However, even though it's hard to believe a team would give up a first-round pick to acquire Brogdon in a salary dump, the Celtics could find a partner with a more attractive second-round selection in this year's draft.

The Suns have the 52nd overall choice, so the return would have to center on adding at least one future second-round pick and betting against their top-heavy roster.

It's not the most attractive return, but if the Sixth Man of the Year gets moved in a salary dump, the second goal will be getting the best second-round draft capital possible. 

Further Reading

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