Possible landing spots for Trail Blazers players Boston Celtics just traded away

The Boston Celtics landed Jrue Holiday by trading away Malcolm Brogdon and Robert Williams III (and two future first-rounders), but the Portland Trail Blazers may look to re-route the pair; who play the same positions as Portland’s franchise pillars Scoot Henderson and Deandre Ayton, the crown jewel of the Damian Lillard trade.

CBS Sports’ Sam Quinn listed multiple NBA franchises that could serve as landing spots for Brogdon and Williams, with there being a mix of win-now and possible rebuilders come the trade deadline.

“Teams I like for Malcolm Brogdon: Orlando, Toronto, Brooklyn, Memphis, Utah, Clippers,” Quinn wrote. “Teams I like for Robert Williams: Houston, Washington, Chicago, Phoenix, Dallas.”

Best possible landing spot for Malcolm Brogdon: Orlando Magic

Over the course of the 2023-24 season, the Orlando Magic went from directionless to having clear aspirations of contending in the next few years if the team’s top prospects, Paola Banchero and Franz Wagner, continue on their current trajectory.

The right teammates will help them get there, and Brogdon could certainly qualify as such as an accomplished veteran (2016-17 Rookie of the Year, 2022-23 Sixth Man of the Year) who is outspoken off the court.

Best possible landing spot for Robert Williams III: Dallas Mavericks

If Dereck Lively II can be an immediate answer for the Dallas Mavericks at the center spot, there’s less of a need for the team to pursue Williams given their existing depth (Dwight Powell, Maxi Kleber, Richaun Holmes) in their frontcourt.

But if Liveley isn’t there yet, the Mavs can afford a talent upgrade for a bona fide needle-mover as a rim-protector and lob-finisher; something none of the other options in the frontcourt qualify as.

The Boston Celtics will suffer from losses from Jrue Holiday trade

Boston losing one of Jayson Tatum’s favorite teammates in the Time Lord is a locker-room blow, as is losing Brogdon’s leadership. There’s no doubt these losses hurt, but the addition of a near/former star in Holiday could ultimately move the needle more than those two would’ve.