A team front office wheeling and dealing all the time is the norm. It’s a way to boost the roster. While it can be fun, though, it has its consequences, especially in our day and age where news spreads ultra-fast.
The Boston Celtics are most probably somewhere in that predicament now as they are reportedly at odds with their key point guard, Malcolm Brogdon. The two almost parted ways last June via trade until it was suddenly cancelled.
For a refresher, here’s the supposed deal:
What’s really rough is it fell apart a couple of hours after it was already reported to the public – not when it was still in the early stages or being discussed privately. The LA Clippers were said to back out due to concerns on Brogdon’s right arm injury:
Nevertheless, keep in mind that an unsuspecting Brogdon received that news, and that he didn’t request a trade nor was told prior that he was being shopped. It’s not like he had a dud season too. In fact, he is the reigning Sixth Man of the Year, and was a leading candidate all season.
Brogdon was a valuable piece in the second unit as soon as he arrived in a trade with the Indiana Pacers. He embraced the role despite already being a full-time starter in Indiana over the four previous years.
In 67 games this 2022-23 campaign, he averaged 26.1 quality minutes and put up 14.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. He even finished fourth overall in three-point shooting percentage with a 44.4% clip from downtown. There was simply no denying the part he played in Boston tallying a solid 57-25 record in the 2022-23 regular season.
The Celtics eventually acquired their target, Kristaps Porzingis, in a new deal. They kept Brogdon and sent Marcus Smart instead – the beloved defender and longtime Celtic getting traded was a huge surprise too, but that would be for another story.
Unfortunately, the damage has been done, and if the rumors were to be believed, it may have left a significant crack at their relationship with Brogdon, who is naturally not pleased.
Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe said that the point guard is “angry with the team:”
One can argue that as a veteran, the 30-year-old should understand that it’s purely business. In turn, however, teams should still be prepared for such circumstances. You really can’t expect a good reaction if you try to ship one of your main rotation guys, particularly if it’s on a level where he won 6MOY.
We’ll see in the next few weeks how the Celtics front office can navigate through this issue. They may have no choice but to find Brogdon a new home, but they are sure to try to convince him of staying put, as they should. Beyond the numbers, he’s a veteran floor general that has a knack of making the decision, be it on offense or defense, and that’s the guy you want to be around your stars.
Maybe they can just assure him of a starting job? He may be intriguing alongside the new Big 3 of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Kristaps Porzingis.