This mock trade sends Malcolm Brogdon to the Clippers.
There has definitely been a lot of star movement this summer, and teams are clearly gearing up to try and compete for championships next season. However, one of the teams that has stood pat thus far is the Los Angeles Clippers, despite them having avenues to get better.
There is no doubt that the Clippers making another move could separate them from the rest of the Western Conference. One suitable trade target for the team could be Malcolm Brogdon, who was recently traded to the Portland Trail Blazers. Here is a potential trade framework that sends Brogdon to the Clippers.
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: Malcolm Brogdon
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: Marcus Morris, Amir Coffey, Kobe Brown, 2029 Second-Round Pick (LAC), 2030 Second-Round Pick (LAC)
This trade would help the Clippers add more talent to their roster, and go all-in on the Kawhi Leonard/Paul George core. This deal would make a lot of sense for both teams involved, and here is why a move with this framework could work out for both the Clippers and the Trail Blazers.
Malcolm Brogdon Would Fit Well On The Los Angeles Clippers
On the Los Angeles Clippers, Malcolm Brogdon would likely play as the starting shooting guard for the franchise. However, there is also a chance that Brogdon could come off the bench, as he won the Sixth Man of the Year award with the Celtics, and showed that he thrives as a spark plug scorer. His main competitor for the role would likely be Norman Powell.
Brogdon knows how to play off-ball well, and his 3PT shooting ability will let him space the floor for Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and Russell Westbrook. Playing in the backcourt with Westbrook will help Brogdon get a lot of open shots, and he could have another highly efficient year. Last season, Malcolm Brogdon averaged 14.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game, while shooting 44.4% from 3PT range.
The Malcolm Brogdon move would be a consolidation trade for the Clippers, with the team giving up future assets to try and make a difference-making move in the now. Brogdon would give the team a scorer who can punish teams for loading up on the team’s stars, and he had a really good season on a similar roster with the Celtics.
Ultimately, making this move for Brogdon would be a no-brainer for the Clippers. They would get a starting-level player for the shooting guard position who fits well with the team, in exchange for a young prospect and minor draft compensation. Overall, he is one of the best players that the team can get right now.
Though James Harden has been the primary trade target for the squad, the Philadelphia 76ers don’t seem keen on what the Clippers have to offer. Malcolm Brogdon could be an alternative that comes at a lower cost, and he is a player that the Los Angeles Clippers have to at least consider getting.
The Portland Trail Blazers Get A Good Haul For A Veteran Guard
As of right now, the Los Angeles Clippers do not need any more guards. They already have Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, and Anfernee Simons on the roster, and Malcolm Brogdon is clearly the odd man out due to his age. It is quite likely that the Trail Blazers will shop Brogdon on the trade market, and this package from the Clippers is a solid deal.
Marcus Morris’ contract is being included in this deal for salary-matching purposes. He is on an expiring deal, and there is a chance that the Trail Blazers will buy him out and let him become a free agent. However, Morris could also be a valuable piece at the trade deadline in a trade where a team wants to clear cap space in exchange for draft compensation going to the Trail Blazers.
The Trail Blazers would also get some assets for the future in this deal. Forward Kobe Brown profiles as a good defensive player already, and has positional versatility to be successful. He could end up developing well for the team if given the opportunity and is a low-risk prospect who wouldn’t demand too many touches on the offensive end. The two second-round picks are obviously the draft compensation required to get this deal done. Though there is no first-round pick in this deal, that is understandable given Brogdon’s injury history.
Overall, this deal from the Clippers helps the Trail Blazers add more assets to their war chest and sets them up nicely for the future. Though there are likely other teams that will be interested in acquiring Brogdon, this package from the Clippers is one of the best ones out there.
This Is A Win-Win Trade For Both The Clippers And Trail Blazers
With this trade, the Los Angeles Clippers will get a quality guard who has shown the ability to contribute to a playoff team. Malcolm Brogdon is a starting-level player whose s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁 set works well next to other stars, and he could be a legitimate difference-maker for the team whether he is in the starting lineup or coming off the bench as a sixth man.
Meanwhile, the Portland Trail Blazers will continue their teardown, and move on from another veteran to ensure their young guards get playing time. They would get some pieces that can help them build a team to be competitive in the future, and moving Brogdon is clearly the right move for them. They need to get value for Brogdon before his value drops, and there is no better time than now.
We will see whether the Clippers and the Trail Blazers will agree to a move with this framework in the future. There’s no doubt that this deal makes a lot of sense for both sides, and the Clippers will likely express interest in Brogdon when the Trail Blazers open up trade talks about the guard.
