4 Players who shouldn't be back next season if Blazers want to accelerate rebuild

Malcolm Brogdon

It made sense for Brogdon to be forwarded on to a contender when he was acquired from Boston as part of the Jrue Holiday trade (who was forwarded to a contender after being acquired from Milwaukee as part of the Damian Lillard trade). Cronin had a different plan; he wanted the 31-year-old to stick around as a veteran presence and mentor on a young team.

Brogdon was that and more. When Simons hurt his thumb in the season opener and the 19-year-old Henderson and 20-year-old Sharpe took over the backcourt, Brogdon steadied the ship. When Scoot struggled, Brogdon took over the starting point guard duties to let the rookie adjust.

He was also productive, averaging 15.7 points and 5.5 assists on 41.2 percent shooting from three.

But with a contract that expires after this season, Henderson better prepared to start on a nightly basis and a *fingers crossed* healthy Sharpe and Simons, Brogdon won't be as important to the 2024-25 Trail Blazers. He was rumored to be worth a protected first-round pick at February's trade deadline; it's time for Cronin to let his veteran safety net go and grab that future asset.