PORTLAND — Trail Blazers point guard Malcolm Bloggon is considered one of the hottest players on the NBA trade market. But the 31-year-old veteran says he's not pushing to leave Portland.
“I'm happy here. I'm valued here. I'm valued for this leadership/lead guard role,” Brogdon said. The Athletic. “And I can't complain about that. I'm happy in Portland.”
At the past two trade deadlines, Portland general manager Joe Cronin has worked with veterans to facilitate trades to desired destinations, bringing CJ McCollum to New Orleans in 2022 and Josh Hart in 2023. Sent to New York. But Brogdon said Monday he has not yet transferred. Talk to Cronin.
“And to be honest, that's not even been my focus,” Brogdon said. “We haven't really talked about it yet. Obviously, I think they're considering their options, but for me, it's about taking every opportunity to play good basketball and help this team win.” is everything.”
When the Blazers acquired Brogdon from the Boston Celtics in September as part of the Jrue Holiday trade, it was easy to wonder if they would immediately send him to another team. Brogdon, the reigning NBA Sixth Man of the Year, is considered a hot commodity for competing teams in need of depth at point guard, and could use draft picks or young players that franchises are looking to acquire. He is seen as a valuable asset to a Portland team that can. During the third year of painful reconstruction, the scaffolding was achieved. Brogdon is under contract through the 2024-25 season and will make $22.5 million this season and next.
Instead, the team found that Brogdon enjoyed his role as a leader and appreciated the love and acceptance the Blazers showed him.
While Portland could use more talent in a Brogdon trade, the Blazers' locker room is seriously lacking the experience, maturity and insight that Brogdon brings. Brogdon has been on the court so far, starting 23 of 37 games this season and averaging 15.9 points and 5.5 assists in 28 minutes. His value as a mentor to rookie Scoot Henderson and the rest of the young players has only increased. blazer.
“When I first got traded, I saw it as an opportunity. I really did,” Brogdon said. “Ask anyone around me how my energy was during training camp. I was excited to be here. I was excited to be with a championship coach. And I was excited to go from a place where I wasn't so valued to a place where I was highly valued.”
Wait…did he feel unappreciated in Boston, where he won the Sixth Man Award?
“Sometimes. Sometimes,” Brogdon said. “I was there for a year, won Sixth Man of the Year, and then they fired me. I mean…I didn't feel really valued there. Here. And I feel valued. Portland has accepted me. And I've had a lot of fun being coached by Chauncey (Billups).”
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As the Feb. 8 deadline approaches, Brogdon said he remains focused on his game rather than his future, and that approach has benefited the Blazers (14-33). Over the last six games, Brogdon is averaging 21.7 points, 7.2 assists and shooting 46.7 percent from three.
“I don't know what my future holds,” Brogdon said. “I don't know if I'm going to go to Portland or anywhere else. It's about accepting the moment I'm here and not worrying about anything else.”
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(Top photo: Troy Wayrynen / USA Today)
