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Boston Celtics land All-Star point guard in proposal, losing marquee offseason addition

By Andrew Hughes

The Boston Celtics would land a 2021 All-Star from the west in this mock trade proposal, giving up their marquee offseason addition in the process Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Swinger-USA TODAY Sports
The Boston Celtics would land a 2021 All-Star from the west in this mock trade proposal, giving up their marquee offseason addition in the process Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Swinger-USA TODAY Sports /
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With the Boston Celtics making it clear that Payton Pritchard will be a part of the franchise moving forward, one must wonder if President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens has something else up his sleeve.

While the Cs do have the league’s best record as of this writing, the Brooklyn Nets — the team that a 2x Finals MVP Kevin Durant and the man with the most legendary Finals shot of this era, and the man who took pride in eliminating Boston in 2021, Kyrie Irving — have been a hotter team since Jacque Vaughn took over in November.

Perhaps Stevens could pivot from making a fringe maneuver using Pritchard, and instead look to flip another point guard in a crowded backcourt, Malcolm Brogdon — whose game has fallen off somewhat during the holiday season. NBA Analysis Network’s James Piercey came up with a Brogdon proposal that brings back an All-Star in return:

"Utah Jazz Receive: F Davis Bertans, G/F Reggie Bullock, 2023 Second-Round Pick (ORL via BOS), 2025 First-Round Pick (Swap – DAL)Boston Celtics Receive: G Mike ConleyDallas Mavericks Receive: G Malcolm Brogdon"

Why the Boston Celtics do it

Giving up Malcolm Brogdon and a future second-round pick and receiving someone with deep postseason experience and someone two seasons removed from being an All-Star in Mike Conley is something the Celtics front office wouldn’t hesitate to pull the trigger on.

Conley is starter-worthy alongside Marcus Smart, Jaylen Brown, and Jayson Tatum, plus whichever big man Joe Mazzulla chooses to start between Al Horford and Robert Williams III. His contract, which includes a partial guarantee in 2023-24, gives Brad Stevens flexibility in the offseason and up to the next trade deadline to make another move if need be.

Why the Utah Jazz do it

Mike Conley, at age 35, deserves a winning situation and after a hot start to the season, the Utah Jazz don’t appear to be that. Utah could maintain a semblance of competitiveness with two great shooters in Davis Bertans and Reggie Bullock and add future draft picks.

Don’t forget, former Celtics GM Danny Ainge runs the show in Utah. Helping Boston get better isn’t out of the realm of possibility.

Why the Dallas Mavericks do it

Luke Doncic needs someone to step into Spencer Dinwiddie’s role from a season ago, since Dinwiddie is now filling the shoes of current New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson. Malcolm Brogdon could fill that role and then some with more opportunities than he’s receiving right now.

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