Home/NBA

via Getty

via Getty

The Boston Celtics desperately needed a change. While their core has remained the same for the better part of a decade, they have not achieved their goal. As continuity becomes a priority, with the Milwaukee Bucks, and the Denver Nuggets proving the same, perhaps a tweak would fix their issues. Both teams made a minor addition that flipped the script. Whether Jrue Holiday or Aaron Gordon, teams can be one guy short.

Finally, it seems like an answer is in sight. After their questionable depth around the rim became a major problem, the Celtics went big-man shop. After the initial trade for Kristaps Porzingis fell through, a second offer emerged and was finally agreed upon.

The immediate returns look absolutely phenomenal but what caused the first trade to break down?

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Malcolm Brogdon’s injury derails the Kristaps Porzingis trade

The initial reports detailed a three-team trade between the Clippers, the Celtics, and the Wizards. Washington, amid a teardown and complete rebuild, wanted to trade away KP. The Celtics’ need for a big presence made them obvious suitors.

via Imago

In the deal, the Clippers looked to fill in their years-long void for a true point guard. However, the trade fell through. Soon after, reports emerged, the Clippers were hesitant about Brogdon’s condition.

After playing through the playoffs with an injured elbow, Brogdon’s injury seems worse for wear. While the Celtics eventually gained Porzingis and two additional first-round draft picks for Marcus Smart, any deal for Brogdon seems off the table.

In a new report, the former Rookie of the Year’s injury is way worse than initially diagnosed. As a result, as Brian Windhorst pointed out, any potential Malcolm Brogdon trade is unavailable soon.

While the nature of Brogdon’s injury is unknown, we wish the reigning 6th Man of the Year all the luck. In the meantime, Boston fans can rejoice over an A++ trade by GM Brad Stevens.

The Boston Celtics pull off the Heist of the OffSeason

Even though the initial trade fell through, the Celtics were determined to land the Latvian 7-footer. However, what they could not have accounted for was the cheap price that they got him. By trading away Marcus Smart, the Celtics gained Porzingis but added two extra first-round picks to their draft capital.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

The Washington Wizards got a valuable commodity in Tyus Jones that they could look to move in the future. But, the trade has to be considered a failure in Washington. After losing Bradley Beal, Porzingis, Rui Hachimura, and Kyle Kuzma, all the Wizards have are a few second-round picks. While you hope for the best, the immediate future doesn’t look too bright in DC.

Read More: After Brutally Failing the City of Boston in Game 7, Jaylen Brown Asked to ?Open Up a Bakery With All them Turnovers?

For Memphis, they gained Marcus Smart, a former Defensive Player of the Year. The Grizzlies needed a tough, veteran locker room leader after the Ja Morant incident. In Smart, they got just that and it will also help solidify an already stingy defense. With the last 2 DPOYs under contract, the Grizzlies could be a sleeper in the West once Ja Morant comes back.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Watch This Story: Tempers Flare On Live TV As Shaquille O’Neal Slaps Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown With ‘Hero Ball’ Reality After Celtics’ Loss

So, what’s your take on these newfound details? Let us know in the comments below.