Finally Blazers reveal unexpected plan for Malcolm Brogdon after Celtics trade

The future of Malcolm Brogdon with the Celtics looked uncertain ever since a deal that would have sent him to the Clippers fell apart back in June. Ultimately, Brad Stevens found the veteran guard a new home in Portland as part of a trade to land Jrue Holiday in Boston along with Robert Williams.

While the rebuilding Blazers demanded Williams as part of the deal for the All-Star Holiday, most assumed the veteran Brogdon would be dealt as the team focused on its younger talent. However, Blazers GM Joe Cronin relayed a different message publicly at Blazers media day on Monday.

We want to have Malcolm come here and be a part of this,” Cronin told reporters in Portland. “He can bring some good on-court intangibles for us and also as a veteran, which is something we’re going to need. We have a very young roster. I want to make sure there’s enough veteran leadership around these guys.”

The Blazers are loaded with young talent in the backcourt with Scoot Henderson, Anfernee Simons and Shaedon Sharpe, which should minimize a role for Brogdon. The veteran guard still has two years left on his contract at $22.5 million and opted to join the Celtics last offseason since he wanted to play for a contender.

Cronin’s stance could be a bit of posturing as Portland likely knows Brogdon’s trade value is lower right now coming off of an elbow injury in the postseason. The odds that Brogdon will be pushing for a new home by the trade deadline seem quite high even if Cronin isn’t willing to commit to it just yet.

Brad Stevens acknowledged the tricky Brogdon situation at Celtics Media Day on Monday in Brighton.

Malcolm had to be included in the trade because of the money aspect of how these trades work,” Stevens said. “But I’ve talked about it before, Malcolm had every right to be frustrated with us in the middle of the summer. That said, I was not concerned with regard to if Media Day started today and Jrue Holiday didn’t become available, that he was going to be a professional, because that’s what he is. He’s a good guy, he’s a good teammate. He understands the business aspect of this. And so I think he’ll do really well as well. He feels good, he’s ready to roll and we’re thankful for the year he had with us.”