Trade Complete: Celtics Pick Up Playmaker From Pacers

The Boston Celtics have found the playmaker they were looking for, acquiring Malcolm Brogdon from the Indiana Pacers for...well, more players than you can shake a stick at. Plus a first-rounder. And big-time cap space for Indiana.

The Celtics wanted to land a true playmaking point guard and now acquire Malcolm Brogdon without costing themselves a core player. The Pacers land another first-round pick in the deal.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2022

The Celts send Daniel Theis, Aaron Nesmith, Nik Stauskas, Malik Fitts and Juwan Morgan along with the 2023 first-rounder. It's a win for Boston, to acquire a true playmaker without losing any of their core rotation players. 

This is a huge move for the Celtics, adding Brogdon without sacrificing any of the top eight players from their playoff rotation. Loading up for another run at a title. https://t.co/ZtCevq9EO2

— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) July 1, 2022

From Indiana's perspective, ESPN's Front Office Insider Bobby Marks notes that the Pacers have just opened up the ability to bring in a free agent on a max contract. They are now a projected $31M below the salary cap.

Deandre Ayton, anyone?

Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports