Malcolm Brogdon Traded to the Boston Celtics
After months of speculation, Malcolm Brogdon, the 2017 NBA Rookie of the Year, has found a new team. The Indiana Pacers have traded the talented point guard to the Boston Celtics in exchange for a 2023 first-round draft pick and five players. This trade provides added depth to the Celtics’ bench and gives them a strong ball handler without sacrificing key players from their run to the 2022 NBA Finals. Let’s take a closer look at the details of the trade and what it means for both teams.
The Trade Details
The Boston Celtics acquired:
- Malcolm Brogdon
The Indiana Pacers acquired:
- 2023 First-Round Draft Pick
- Daniel Theis
- Aaron Nesmith
- Malik Fitts
- Nik Stauskas
- Juwan Morgan
The Impact on the Celtics
With the addition of Malcolm Brogdon, the Celtics’ odds of winning the 2023 NBA championship have significantly improved. They are now the betting favorites at +550 odds. Brogdon brings valuable skills to the team and will likely come off the bench to anchor their second unit. However, there are rumors that the Celtics might make a move for Kevin Durant, which could potentially see Brogdon sliding into the starting five if a trade involving Jaylen Brown to the Brooklyn Nets materializes. Regardless, if the Celtics maintain their current core, which led them to the Eastern Conference championship and a competitive NBA Finals series against the Golden State Warriors, they will be a formidable force in the upcoming season.
Brogdon’s Journey and his Future with the Celtics
Malcolm Brogdon began his NBA career with the Milwaukee Bucks before joining the Indiana Pacers in a sign-and-trade deal in 2019. Although the Bucks won a championship in 2021 without him, Brogdon sees the Celtics as his best opportunity to compete for a title. He is excited to be a part of the Boston family and contribute to the team’s quest for a championship.
Last season with the Pacers, Brogdon averaged 19.1 points, 5.9 assists, and 5.1 rebounds in 36 games. He is a reliable shooter, with a career 37.6% shooting percentage from beyond the arc. However, his 3-point shooting struggled last season with a 31.2% clip. Nevertheless, just two seasons ago, he averaged 21.2 points per game and shot 38.8% from deep in 56 games with the Pacers. In the 2020 NBA playoffs, Brogdon displayed his skills with an impressive average of 21.5 points and 10.0 assists per game in four postseason appearances.
Rebuilding Mode for the Pacers
The Indiana Pacers have made significant moves to rebuild their roster. In addition to trading Brogdon, they also sent All-Star Domantas Sabonis to the Sacramento Kings for Tyrese Haliburton and Buddy Hield. The Pacers had a promising rookie in Chris Duarte last season, and they added Bennedict Mathurin with the sixth pick in the draft. With a solid quartet of guards, the Pacers aim to establish a competitive team moving forward.
Conclusion
The trade between the Boston Celtics and the Indiana Pacers involving Malcolm Brogdon brings changes for both teams. The Celtics have strengthened their roster, positioning themselves as the favorites to win the 2023 NBA championship. Brogdon’s addition adds depth and skill to their lineup, giving them more options for success. On the other hand, the Pacers are undergoing a rebuilding phase, acquiring multiple players and picks to shape their future. It will be interesting to see how these moves impact both teams’ performances in the upcoming season.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How will Malcolm Brogdon’s arrival impact the Boston Celtics?
Malcolm Brogdon’s arrival will provide the Celtics with a talented ball handler who can contribute off the bench. He brings valuable experience and skills that will enhance the team’s overall performance.
2. Can Malcolm Brogdon become a starter for the Celtics?
There are rumors that Brogdon might become a starter if the Celtics pursue a trade for Kevin Durant, possibly involving Jaylen Brown. However, regardless of his role, Brogdon will play a crucial part in the Celtics’ pursuit of a championship.
3. How does this trade affect the Pacers’ rebuilding efforts?
The trade involving Malcolm Brogdon is part of the Pacers’ rebuilding strategy. By acquiring multiple players and picks, they aim to shape a competitive roster for the future.
4. What are the expectations for the Boston Celtics in the upcoming season?
With their strengthened roster, the Celtics are expected to be highly competitive and contend for the 2023 NBA championship. The addition of Brogdon has elevated their odds and increased the anticipation among fans.
5. Who else did the Pacers acquire in their rebuilding moves?
In addition to trading Malcolm Brogdon, the Pacers also acquired Tyrese Haliburton and Buddy Hield in exchange for All-Star Domantas Sabonis. They also drafted Bennedict Mathurin, a promising young player, with the sixth pick in the draft.
