Malcolm Brogdon #7 of the Indiana Pacers (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
The Boston Celtics wanted another playmaking guard in the mix. They received just that in the Malcolm Brogdon trade with the Pacers.
An injury-plagued 2021-22 season forced Brogdon out of action for most of the campaign, however he did average 19.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 5.9 assists in 36 games. Those numbers are nothing to sneeze at.
Just a few weeks after losing the NBA Finals in six games on their home floor, Brad Stevens and Co. are hoping to retool and make another playoff run next season. They have the young pieces to do so.
Brogdon is a legitimate upgrade wherever he plays. As a sound defender, Brogdon is one of the more intelligent point guards in the NBA, and frequently makes the right play. He’ll fit in perfectly with this fanbase.
The trade itself included five players and a future first-round pick. The pick is likely the most valuable asset in the deal.
Malcolm Brogdon trade details: Celtics and Pacers
Celtics Get
Malcolm Brogdon
Pacers Get
Daniel Theis
Aaron Nesmith
2023 first-round pick
Nik Stauskas
Pacers Get
Malik Fitts
Juwan Morgan
Forgive me for including the Pacers twice, but the shortcode Gods intended it to be this way, as there were six assets involved. That’s a large trade for merely one player going back the other way.
Boston was able to acquire Brogdon without giving up any of their core players, which was the intent all along. Indiana, meanwhile, will hold onto that first rounder in hopes of expediting their rebuild. Theis is expected to be sent packing in a related trade.