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The Boston Celtics haven’t made a decision on a Malcolm Brogdon deal, but they haven’t hung up the phone either.
So, is Brodgon on his way to Los Angeles?
Throughout the offseason, Brogdon has been at the centre of trade rumours, originally connected to the three-team deal with the Washington Wizards and Memphis Grizzlies that terminated Marcus Smart’s stint in Boston. On the other hand, it’s rumoured that Brogdon’s near-exit from the Celtics was the catalyst for a possibly strained relationship with Boston.
As a result, it’s not surprising that the C’s may be keeping the trade door open.
“The LA Clippers are reportedly in the hunt for the defensive stalwart, but they have continued to engage the Celtics in trade talks for Brogdon throughout the offseason,” Jared Weiss of The Athletic tweeted on Friday. “… After a deal surrounding Brogdon and Kristaps Porzingis fell just short of the finish line in June, the organisation has worked to repair the relationship with the Sixth Man of the Year while continuing to explore trade options in the case that bridge is too singed to be repaired.”
The Clippers, however, were the rumoured source of the botched deal that kept Brogdon in Boston, concerned about Brogdon’s postseason elbow injury. Nonetheless, with rivals throughout the league upgrading their rosters in anticipation of the upcoming Opening Night in October, Los Angeles is crawling back in the hopes of landing the dependable senior guard.
However, with training camp slated to begin on Tuesday, time is not on anyone’s side.
The Celtics don’t have many options without a defined strategy to replace Smart’s leadership and defensive energy.
Jrue Holiday’s rumoured trade from the Portland Trail Blazers, whom the Celtics are interested in, might potentially mean the end of Brogdon’s stay in Boston. However, with a core poised for another long run in the NBA Finals, perhaps the broader picture will be enough to convince Brogdon to join Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown in the chase of Banner 18.
