Realistic trade: Portland ships out Brogdon for a first-round pick
The Blazers moving Malcolm Brogdon for a mid-first-round pick could be the type of trade they make this summer. It’s not overly exciting, but it makes sense for both parties, which typically is how realistic deals go through.
The Magic are in desperate need of a point guard to take the pressure off of Paolo Banchero. Brogdon would be an excellent fit for them as someone who can initiate the offense and space the floor for Banchero and Franz Wagner to operate. It’s a reasonable price tag, too, meaning they could get their reliable starting point guard without sacrificing much of their future.
The Blazers ideally could get another young piece besides Jett Howard to accompany the first-round pick. It's evident that Rip City needs more shooting, and Howard fits their need. But he also could be someone who doesn't carve out a significant role. Sure, Howard was the No. 11 overall pick last year, but he was also a reach and has yet to show that he can significantly contribute at the NBA level. In other words, Portland shouldn't consider this trade as receiving two first-round picks.
For better or worse, General Manager Joe Cronin seems to love keeping veterans around the Blazers' young core. Joe Ingles, 36, could help in that aspect if they did decide to keep him around. But the main asset in the deal for Portland is the No. 18 pick.
Although it's not a strong draft class, the Blazers would have three first-round picks, making them more comfortable taking flyers on prospects with high upside and a low floor. Whether Scoot Henderson or Shaedon Sharpe will become bonafide stars in the league is still being determined. The more high-upside swings they can take in the draft, the better.