Celtics’ Brad Stevens Talks Malcolm Brogdon After Failed Trade

The Celtics attempted to trade guard Malcolm Brogdon to the Clippers as part of the three-team trade with the Wizards for forward Kristaps Porzingis.

That didn’t work out — and Brogdon ultimately stayed in Boston after the Clippers nixed the deal. They did so because of injury concerns involving Brogdon.

Eventually, the Celtics landed their man in Porzingis, but not before roping in the Grizzlies. While Brogdon stayed, beloved guard Marcus Smart was sent to Memphis.

As for Brogdon, well, it seemingly could be a little awkward. But Celtics president Brad Stevens implied that is not the case after reaching out to the reigning Sixth Man of the Year.

“There are a lot of narratives out there because of (the failed trade) that certainly are inaccurate,” Stevens said, via Chris Forsberg of NBC Sports Boston. 

Brogdon missed time during the playoffs with an injured elbow, which reportedly led to the Clippers nixing the deal. He made just one of his final 10 shots in the Eastern Conference finals.

“The bottom line is, right now, he’s going through a period of 4 to 8 weeks where he’s resting and rehabbing, as suggested by our docs, as suggested by the third-party doc that he went to see,” Stevens said. “He feels good and we expect him to be back right (at the) start of the season and have the great year that he’s had every year he’s been in the league. So we’re excited about that.

“But it’s hard for him. That’s the other part, being in the rumors and stuff, that stinks.”