The Indiana Pacers have had a very strange 2020-21 NBA season filled with trade rumors, injury issues, and even reported coaching drama. Malcolm Brogdon has had a career season for the team this year, but there were rumblings ahead of the NBA trade deadline that he could be moved. Looking ahead to the upcoming offseason, it seems like the franchise could look to trade him again.
According to one NBA executive, who spoke to NBA Analysis Network, the Pacers will likely look to move on from Brogdon if the right deal presents itself.
“Look, I don’t think they just want to move him to make a trade, but they’re open for business on (Malcolm) Brogdon. They listened to offers before the deadline and his value is likely as high as it is going to get. His inability to stay on the court at times and his issues with being coached by consecutive coaches had made it very possible that Indiana will move on from him in the offseason.”
Speaking of his issues with back-to-back coaches, Brogdon was reportedly a huge reason that the Pacers moved on from Nate McMillan last year. He also had had reported issues with Nate Bjorkgren this year. That is not the only reason that he could be moved, but it would make sense for that to be part of the problem.
Brogdon has missed a lot of time with injury issues late in the season, but has still had a very good year. He has averaged 21.2 points per game to go along with 5.9 assists and 5.3 rebounds per game. In addition to those averages, he has shot 45.3 percent from the floor overall and has knocked down 38.8 percent of his three-point attempts.
If the Pacers are going to move on from their starting point guard, now would be the time to do so. He has put up big-time numbers and there are plenty of teams around the NBA who could use a player like him.
Indiana is very comfortable with the idea of Caris LeVert being their starting point guard moving forward. He has stepped up big-time with Brogdon out of action this season. LeVert is a very capable playmaker and can score at a high level as well and the Pacers could get some good value out of trading Brogdon.
All of that being said, it will be interesting to see what the future holds for the Pacers. Kevin Pritchard and the front office will have some big decisions to make this offseason. Whether they trade Malcolm Brogdon or not could be one of those big decisions.
