Boston Celtics Heavy In Trade Talks With Two Teams

His name has been in the trade rumor mill all summer long, but thus far, combo guard Malcolm Brogdon is still a Boston Celtic. Not a happy one, mind you, but a Celtic nonetheless.

The latest rumors have the Los Angeles Clippers re-engaging in trade talks with the Celts. Brogdon was nearly sent to LA in June in a three-team swap, but injury concerns over his right forearm/elbow injury scared off the Clips.

The news of that purported failed deal having gone public, Boston's crucial third guard was not a happy camper. If a trade doesn't materialize before the season starts, some execs around the league feel the C's need to mend some fences, according to Insider Steve Bulpett of heavy.com.

“The one thing that characterizes (Brogdon) more than anything is his intelligence, his intellect,” one front office source told Bulpett. “If you appeal to him on that basis, if you appeal to his rationality, then he’ll understand. I have no doubt that (president of basketball operations Brad) Stevens will handle this the right way — and he has to, because Boston needs Brogdon even more than they did last year.”

That would be because backcourt defensive stalwart and locker room leader Marcus Smart is no longer in Beantown, leaving quite the void. A trade for the now-available Jrue Holiday from Portland would likely be the Celtics' best bet, though there's a "significant gap" in those talks with the Trail Blazers.

The Celtics maintain interest in trading for Jrue Holiday, but there’s currently a significant gap in negotiations with the Trail Blazers, per @AdamHimmelsbach.

A potential package from Boston could feature Malcolm Brogdon, Jordan Walsh, Sam Hauser and draft capital. pic.twitter.com/Clo5h8jDI6

— Evan Sidery (@esidery) September 30, 2023

Brogdon would head to Portland in any such deal for Holiday, who might then be re-routed to the Clippers, if they agree to be part of those discussions. The Clips are desperate for another quality guard. 

Photo: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports