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

Lakers grade in proposed Malcolm Brogdon trade: A

Some fans may look at this trade and initially turn it down since it includes a fan favorite in Jarred Vanderbilt. Vanderbilt is, without a doubt, an impact role player that brought a new defensive identity to LA that was so desperately needed.

However, he also really struggles on the offensive end of the court to the point where he was not even playable in the NBA Playoffs. The Lakers’ usage of Vando in the NBA Playoffs should have been a spoiler that the team would move him if the right trade came along.

Malik Beasley did not work out in LA and the Lakers would be gracious to flip his $17.5 million club option into someone who would have a bigger role in the rotation. And to do all this without draft capital? That would be a home run, despite the injury risk.

Celtics grade in proposed Malcolm Brogdon trade: C+

Boston trades the best player in this deal, which is always going to create a situation that is hard to talk the fanbase into. However, because of his cost and injury concerns, this is absolutely something that Boston can pull off.

This checks multiple boxes for the team as it strengthens a weak playoff rotation and gives Boston more flexibility moving forward. Those two things are very valuable, even if Brogdon is the best player in the deal.

What makes this grade just a C+ for the Celtics is the fact that they could probably do better. There are other contending teams that might be able to pair better rotation players for Brogdon if they are interested in the point guard.