Grade the trade: Blazers deal guard to West rival for more future assets in proposal
Blazers trade Malcolm Brogdon to Jazz for vets, future protected pick
A recent trade proposal from Sports Illustrated's Utah Jazz blog looks like this:
Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported that the Jazz could be in the market for a veteran point guard "at some point this season to provide veteran stability."
That's exactly what Brogdon is in Portland for. While he helps Billups' squad play through the mistakes of Henderson and Sharpe, Utah Head Coach Will Hardy is dealing with the growing pains of a rookie guard himself in Keyonte George.
George and fellow backcourt mate Jordan Clarkson are score-first guards rather than floor generals, and Brogdon has proven his ability to right a ship when needed while remaining productive himself. The 30-year-old is averaging 18.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 6.4 assists in 29.2 minutes with the Blazers this year.
That veteran leadership and production would arguably be more valuable in Utah than it currently is in Portland. The Jazz aren't NBA title contenders, but they have a more veteran squad that's searching for a postseason spot.
But is trading a useful player like Brogdon for Olynyk, Horton-Tucker and a future protected first-round selection good enough value for the Blazers?