Grade the trade: Lakers pull off a 2-for-1 with Celtics in proposed package

By Jason Reed | Jun 26, 2023

MIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 23: Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla looks on against the Miami Heat during the third quarter in game four of the Eastern Conference Finals at Kaseya Center on May 23, 2023 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) – Malcolm Brogdon Lakers /

Lakers trade for Malcolm Brogdon in proposed idea with Celtics

Things are definitely getting interesting in Boston with the roster. Prior to trading Marcus Smart for Porzingis, there were rumors of the Celtics pulling off a three-team trade for Porzingis that would have sent Malcolm Brogdon to the Los Angeles Clippers.

There are two ways to look at this. The first is the fact that Boston already traded a point guard this offseason and that makes it less likely to trade another. It could have been a situation of Brogdon or Smart leaving and with Smart gone, Brogdon’s place may be safe.

However, this could also indicate that Boston is looking to get out of the Brogdon business. While Brogdon is very talented and is an impact player, he does have injury concerns and those concerns struck the Celtics at the worst possible time last season.

The team still has backcourt depth with Derrick White and Peyton Prichard, who might be ready for a bigger role in the rotation. If there are any doubts in Brogdon and there is confidence in Prichard’s ability to step up then it makes sense to turn him into multiple rotation players via trade.

Plus, Boston could be looking for more financial flexibility after the 2023-24 season and trading Brogdon now would help accomplish that as it would take his $22.5 million off the books for the 2024-25 season.

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