Guard Malcolm Brogdon, a former Celtic, said of the Blazers trade: “I want to be here.”
When the Celtics geared up for training camp, one of the bigger storylines was Malcolm Brogdon’s status and standing with the team. He was coming off an injury in the East Finals and reportedly unhappy with the Celtics, so there were questions on how he felt going into his second season in Boston.
However, that all changed with the Jrue Holiday trade. Brogdon was included in a trade package to the Blazers, along with Rob Williams and two first-round picks. Blazers general manager Joe Cronin revealed a somewhat surprising plan in that they planned to retain the 30-year-old guard. Brogdon, in his first public comments in Portland, expressed a similar sentiment.
“With the Blazers front office and with Chauncey (Billups), they want me here,” Brogdon said, per OregonLive’s Aaron Fentress. “I want to be here. There’s a lot of misleading information out there about they need to trade me. Right now, I just want to make the most of my opportunity. That’s really what it is.”
There was some speculation Brogdon could end up getting moved again by Portland if the team wanted even more assets. Originally, the Blazers were looking to find a trade partner for Damian Lillard, and they found that in the Bucks. Portland acquired Holiday from Milwaukee then flipped the guard to Boston.
The Blazers are looking at a rebuild in the post-Lillard era with No. 3 pick Scoot Henderson looking to lead the way. It’s why there were questions on if Brogdon could be traded to a contender instead of being the veteran presence on a rebuilding team. But based on his comments, Brogdon is fine with mentoring the youth movement in Portland. Of course, he could get moved later, but it appears he is sticking it out.
Brogdon enjoyed a successful lone season with the Celtics, averaging 14.9 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game. He was named the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year as he committed to a bench role despite being a longtime starter in the league. Brogdon suffered an unfortunate elbow injury that severely limited him in the East Finals against the Heat.
There were questions on his injury throughout the summer. Part of that was because the Celtics had agreed to a three-team deal with the Clippers and Wizards which would’ve sent Brogdon to Los Angeles. But the Clippers weren’t able to check Brogdon’s injury further, which is why they backed out of the deal. Eventually, the C’s made a three-team deal with the Wizards and Grizzlies work, landing Kristaps Porzingis but sending Marcus Smart to Memphis. The failed trade led to friction, which is why Brogdon was reportedly frustrate with the C’s.
For now, Brogdon will get used to his new surroundings with the Trail Blazers. He has two more years left on his contract at a $22.5 million salary each season.
“Right now, it’s assuming a leadership role with these young guys,” Brogdon said. “I’m embracing that. I’m embracing being here. God has me here for a reason; I’m embracing right now.”
