NBA Trade Rumors: Celtics Already Looking Good, But Backcourt May Take A Hit

KEY POINTS

The Celtics added more defense and firepower with Malcolm Brogdon acquisition
Brogdon may have to fight for playing time with Marcus Smart, Kevin Pritchard and Derrick White still around
The Pacers appear to be rebuilding around Tyrese Haliburton

The Boston Celtics are still weighing their options after falling short in the battle for the 2022 NBA title. But they may have addressed one major need in their roster.

The Indiana Pacers traded 2017 NBA Rookie of the Year Malcolm Brogdon to the Celtics Friday, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reported, citing unnamed sources.

In exchange, the Celtics sent six players to Indiana: Aaron Nesmith, Daniel Theis, Nik Stauskas, Malik Fitts and Juwan Morgan, according to the report. The Pacers also will get Boston's 2023 first-round draft pick.

It would be the third team for Brogdon since entering the league in 2016 as the 36th overall pick. The 29-year-old guard started his NBA journey with the Milwaukee Bucks before moving to the Pacers in 2019.

Given that the Pacers are rebuilding, it will be interesting to see if the players the Celtics sent will be there for long. Some could be retained, while others could be let go.

As for the Celtics, the addition of Brogdon would be huge. But the next question is how head coach Ime Udoka will utilize his guard rotation efficiently.

Marcus Smart, Kevin Pritchard and Derrick White are still around, but most lack something to push the Celtics to a particular level.

In the case of Smart, his inconsistency has been suspect. There are questions about his ability to play point guard, which the 28-year-old recently addressed.

“I hear the talks about ‘He’s not a true point guard’ and this and that. ‘They need a star point guard,’” Smart was quoted as saying by NBC Sports. “We’ve had star point guards, and yet this so-called non-point guard is the only one that’s led them to the Finals.”

Brogdon could address that need after seemingly falling out with the Pacers following the arrival of Tyrese Haliburton. It seems apparent that following Haliburton's acquisition from the Sacramento Kings, Brogdon became expendable.

A change of scenery could be best for Brogdon. But for now, he may have to slug it out for playing time with Smart, Pritchard and White still around.

The scenario could change if the Celtics end up engaging in other deals with those names possibly included.