The Boston Celtics opted to pass on the free agency so far, but that doesn’t mean they won’t have an upgraded roster next season. According to multiple reports, the Celtics made a trade with the Indiana Pacers that saw them acquire point guard Malcolm Brogdon.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports that the Celtics had to give up a 2023 first-rounder and five players in order to land Brogdon. Players heading to Indiana are veteran center Daniel Theis, second-year player Aaron Nesmith, and benchwarmers Nik Stauskas, Malik Fitts and Juwan Morgan.
Brogdon, who was an NBA Rookie of the Year in 2017, dealt with Achilles issues last season and only managed to play 36 games. However, he still managed to have a solid year that saw him average 19.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.9 assists.
It is easy to see why the Celtics made this deal. After a disappointing meltdown in the NBA Finals this year, it was clear that the team needs more playmaking in their backcourt. Brogdon should provide just that while also bringing reliable shooting and consistent effort on a night-to-night basis.
The Pacers, on the other hand, are doubling down on their rebuild. They can now give the ball to their young guard Tyrese Haliburton while getting assets that they can turn into more talent later on.