Boston Celtics proposal would open opportunities for Payton Pritchard, beef up frontcourt
NBA Analysis Network’s James Piercey came up with a thought-provoking mock trade proposal that would bring frontcourt depth and a future first-round draft pick to the Boston Celtics in exchange for Malcolm Brogdon — which would then create playing time opportunities for Payton Pritchard. The frontcourt depth includes the return of Marcus Morris, who played for the Cs from 2017-2019, and Robert Covington.
"Boston Celtics Receive: F/C Marcus Morris Sr., F/C Robert Covington, 2029 First-Round Pick (LAC)Los Angeles Clippers Receive: G Malcolm Brogdon"
Brogdon, the reigning NBA Sixth Man of the Year, has scored double-digit point totals in all but one 2023 postseason game for the Celtics during his first season in Boston. He’s been an integral role player for the Cs and is under contract until the summer of 2025. Pritchard, meanwhile, has been de-prioritized during the 2022-23 season, playing 13.4 minutes per game after being the primary backup point guard his first two seasons.
Brogdon was tabbed as a potential Kevin Durant trade piece not long after the trade between Indiana and Boston that put the guard in green, but when KD hit the trade market, his name didn’t pop up again.
The Boston Celtics shouldn’t mess with what’s working
At this point, it’s hard to argue against the roster Brad Stevens has built as Boston Celtics President of Basketball Operations. Built around two versatile wings (Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown) and a defensive ace of a point guard (Marcus Smart), the Cs have a fortified frontline and depth in the backcourt. The wing rotation could use more depth, but it’s not been enough of a problem to hold Boston back.
As thought-provoking as Piercey’s offer is, Brogdon is too essential of a rotation piece under Joe Mazzulla to seriously consider moving at this point. Things definitely change if the Celtics don’t escape the Eastern Conference playoffs’ second round, but what Stevens has done to boost last year’s Eastern Conference champions has been beyond sufficient.