Two former Boston Celtics, who each had short stays in green, would be swapped for each other in Bleacher Report's Zach Buckley -- with Malcolm Brogdon replacing Immanuel Quickley in the New York Knicks backcourt, and Evan Fournier (plus two future picks) being sent back to the Portland Trail Blazers.
"The Knicks lost both backcourt depth and shot-creation in the Anunoby deal, but they'd strengthen both areas in this swap," Buckley prefaced before saying, "Brogdon could fit with any of their guards, since he can handle either backcourt spot on both ends, and he's an offensive asset on or off the ball. He could even wind up cracking the starting or closing lineups if Donte DiVincenzo cools off and Quentin Grimes can't heat up."
As Buckley would explain, Fournier would be a mere salary-filler in this deal; needing draft picks to even coax the Trail Blazers into taking his contract.
"If the Blazers move Brogdon, they should be on the hunt for more draft picks," Buckley wrote. "This deal not only delivers two, but the first-rounder could get better, as the protection declines in both 2025 (top 10) and 2026 (top eight). Fournier would be included solely to make the finances work and could wind up being a buyout candidate."
Not re-singing Evan Fournier one of Brad Stevens's first victories as Boston Celtics PBO
Choosing not to re-sign Fournier, and even helping to facilitate a sign-and-trade to the Atlantic Division rival Knicks, continues to age well for Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens.
Fournier has caused friction in Tom Thibodeau's locker room, frustrated in his role, and has held NY back on the trade market; since no one wanted to take on his roughly $18 million annually in a swap. His fall from grace is nearly complete needing several draft picks to get off of his salary.
Will the Grant Williams sign-and-trade age the same way? That's a different question entirely...