3 Malcolm Brogdon trades that make sense for the Trail Blazers
Blazers take a flier on another talented center, Magic get the steady guard they've been searching for
Brogdon to Magic trade 1/16/24
This is the most attractive deal from a Portland perspective.
Marc Stein reported (subscription required) earlier this month that Carter is a name to watch ahead of this year's trade deadline. The 24-year-old has only played in 14 games this season, starting 10 as Goga Bitadze and Mo Wagner have emerged to form a legitimate center duo for Orlando.
The 6-10, 270-pound big man, though, is only one year removed from averaging 15.2 points and 8.7 rebounds on 53/36/74 shooting splits. Considering Deandre Ayton's struggles so far with the Blazers and Portland's limited backup options of Ibou Badji and Duop Reath, Carter could become a significant piece for Portland's future if he gets healthy and returns to form. He's locked into a team-friendly contract for another three seasons.
Meanwhile, Cole Anthony, Jalen Suggs and rookie Anthony Black have played almost all of the point guard minutes this season for Orlando. If the Magic want to make a postseason push this year - they're only one game back of the East's No. 6 seed as of Jan. 16 - getting a steady veteran like Brogdon to play with Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner would be a major boost.
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