Grade the Trade: Blazers package Brogdon and Williams for underrated forward

Blazers rearrange their roster in this mock deal involving Malcolm Brogdon and Robert Williams III.

Jan 23, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Malcolm Brogdon (11) looks down the court at the scoreboard during the second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 23, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Malcolm Brogdon (11) looks down the court at the scoreboard during the second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports | Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
2 of 3

Blazers receive Keldon Johnson from Spurs in proposal

San Antonio desperately needs a reliable starting point guard to complement Wembanayma's generational talent. Ideally, the guard would excel in pick-and-rolls and floor spacing (also known as giving Wemby the ball and staying out of his way). In that sense, Brogdon, who averaged 5.5 assists per game and shot 41.2 percent from three this season, could be an ideal addition. 

The Spurs have the No. 4 and No. 8 picks in the upcoming NBA 2024 Draft. They could use them to address their point guard need, with intriguing prospects like Reed Sheppard, Rob Dillingham, Stephon Castle, and Nikola Topic all potentially available when they are on the clock. However, San Antonio could also be interested in accelerating their rebuild since Wembanyama is already an established star in the league despite being 20 years old. They could thread the needle between the two options by acquiring Brogdon, who is on an expiring contract.

Brogdon could be the Spurs' short-term point guard solution without giving up a draft pick and sacrificing their future. San Antonio could especially target Brogdon in a trade if they select Topic in the draft. Topic has a partially torn ACL and could be out his entire first NBA season.

The proposed trade seems to address both teams' needs, but the question remains: are Johnson and Collins enticing enough for Portland to make the move?

Schedule