There are many factors that can hinder a team’s decision to approve a trade deal for a particular player. This could be what is making the Boston Celtics reluctant to sanction a deal for Malcolm Brogdon, especially while they are trying to secure a big deal for Jaylen Brown.
However, the Celtics’ procrastination in approving Malcolm’s trade to the LA Clippers has reportedly left him frustrated, as teams are beginning to open their doors for training camp with the new season just around the corner.
Malcolm Brogdon expresses frustration with Celtics amid failed trade talks
The Boston Celtics don’t appear to be interested in trading Malcolm this summer, even though they attempted a three-team trade with the Los Angeles Clippers last month. According to an NBA source who spoke with Heavy’s Steve Bulpett, the Celtics have declined trade discussions involving Brogdon, stating, “We inquired about him, and we were informed that he’s a valued member of their team.”
ESPN NBA insider Brian Windhorst later reported on ‘Get Up’ that Brogdon had a “health issue” that would likely prevent the Celtics from trading him this offseason. The reason for the Celtics’ sluggish attitude to letting Brogdon move to Clippers might be deeper than just health-related. They may be secretly planning to retain him for the upcoming season to see if he could replicate his last season’s form.
Before the 2022–23 season, the Celtics acquired Brogdon in a trade from the Indiana Pacers, and he swiftly established himself as a key player. Although primarily coming off the bench, he has appeared in 67 games and has averaged 14.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists. He also secured the Sixth Man of the Year award, thanks to his impressive shooting percentages of 48.4 percent from the field and 44.4 percent from three-point range.
Jaylen Brown secures historic Supermax deal worth $304 million
The Celtics’ wing player has agreed to a five-year supermax contract extension that will pay him up to $304 million, according to his agent, Jason Glushon. ESPN first reported the deal, and The Associated Press confirmed it as Jaylen Brown now holds the record for the largest contract in NBA history after agreeing to a supermax extension with the Celtics.
The deal was initially reported at $304 million, depending on a maximum cap increase of 10 percent. The NBA currently projects a 5 percent cap increase for next year, which would make his deal around $290 million. Brown’s contract will be surpassed next summer when his teammate Jayson Tatum is expected to sign an even greater supermax extension, projected to exceed $300 million.
However, with this agreement, Brown stays with the club that selected him third overall in 2016. His averages of 26.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.5 assists were career highs last season. When the Boston Celtics lost to the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference finals, the number seemed to drop.