Proposed trade sends formerly disgruntled ex-Boston Celtics guard to Magic in overpay

Bleacher Report's Zach Buckley composed a mock trade proposal sending former Boston Celtics point guard Malcolm Brogdon to the Orlando Magic for Jonathan Isaac, Jett Howard, and a future first-round draft pick. The hypothetical was labeled one that the Magic wish they would've made.

"If the Blazers are clinging to that hope (of a Rockets-like rebound), it's time to cut the cord," Buckley prefaced before saying, "Their nucleus could benefit a lot more from this franchise holding extra assets than it would by maybe, possibly competing for a play-in spot next season. Even if Portland had no plans of keeping Isaac—an electric defender with all kinds of injury issues—it would still do well to flip Brogdon for a recent lottery pick in Howard and a lightly protected future first from a non-contender."

Between Isaac's unrealized potential due to injury -- potential that may appear late in the career of the still-young 26-year-old --,Howard's potential that has been largely hidden on the Magic's bench, and a future first-rounder Orlando would be giving up far too much for an expiring contract.

Malcolm Brogdon didn't want to play for Boston Celtics after failed first Kristaps Porzingis trade

It was supposed to be Brogdon included in the trade that'd bring Kristaps Porzingis to the Celtics, but ultimately, his failed physical led to the pivot that'd send Marcus Smart out of Boston; breaking the hearts of many.

Brogdon's inclusion in that proposal caused him to protest playing for the Cs before being included in the Jrue Holiday trade.

“We’ll see how Malcolm is," the Boston Globe’s Gary Washburn wrote (h/t RealGM). "Malcolm’s the one I’m concerned about too, because we’ve heard nothing, and he’s angry with the team. I don’t think communication between the two sides has been fruitful. He might just say, ‘Listen, I’m not getting surgery. I’m just gonna let this heal, and you’ll have to wait for me.’ It could be a protest for being on the trade block.”

Brogdon's 2023-24 output will likely earn him a decent-sized short-term contract, though if his trade value is as high as Buckley pegs it at, perhaps he can earn his last big payday.