In exchange for the highly anticipated acquisition of Jrue Holiday, the Boston Celtics sent Malcolm Brogdon to the Portland Trail Blazers. Because the Blazers are in the process of rebuilding their roster in the post-Damian Lillard era, many people in and around the NBA anticipated that the team would move Brogdon.
On the other hand, Brogdon expressed his desire to remain with the Blazers while speaking with the media on Wednesday.
In the previous season, Brogdon was awarded the Sixth Man of the Year title. In 67 games played for the Celtics, he recorded an average of 14.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists. Additionally, he had a field goal percentage of 48.4%, a three-point field goal percentage of 44.4%, and a free throw percentage of 87.0%.
Brogdon, who played for the Milwaukee Bucks during the 2016–17 season and was named Rookie of the Year, extended his contract with the Indiana Pacers in October 2021 by signing a new two-year deal worth $85 million. This year, he will bring in a salary of $22.5 million.
As a member of the Bucks, the Pacers, and the Celtics, Brogdon has compiled career averages of 15.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.6 assists. According to an insider with knowledge of the NBA who spoke with The Athletic, Jared Weiss, the player didn’t mind being dealt since he was dissatisfied with how the Celtics handled his elbow injury.
“But as the unfortunate agreement was coming together, rumours began to circulate that Brogdon required surgery on the partially torn elbow tendon that ended his season early,” Weiss wrote. “Reports suggested there might have been more injury concerns that could put his long-term health in jeopardy.” “But as the unfortunate agreement was coming together, rumours began to circulate that Brogdon required surgery on the partially torn elbow tendon that ended his season early.” According to individuals who were briefed on Brogdon’s recovery plan, the athlete became increasingly frustrated as a result of the following: “He was planning to simply rehab the elbow, and the other areas of concern in his lower body felt relatively fine.”
It will be very fascinating to watch if Brogdon stays with the Blazers for the entirety of the 2023–24 season. There is always the possibility of trading the veteran prior to the trade deadline in 2024.