With the NBA trade deadline approaching, the Philadelphia 76ers are reportedly making it clear that they are still buyers despite the recent injury blow they suffered involving their superstar center, Joel Embiid.
Maintaining hope that Embiid will return at some point before the playoffs and be ready to compete in the postseason once again, the Sixers are searching for notable additions to boost their team’s playoff odds when healthy.
One player that hasn’t been linked to Philly frequently this season is Portland Trail Blazers guard Malcolm Brogdon. As deadline day is here, PHLY’s Kyle Neubeck reports that Brogdon is a player the Sixers called the Blazers about.
However, the asking price has made it difficult for Philly to budge.
“Add another name to the Philadelphia rumor mill — the Sixers made inquiries about Portland’s Malcolm Brogdon, sources told PHLY, in the hope of adding the versatile veteran guard to their rotation. As of now, however, Brogdon appears to be staying in Portland, with the Blazers content to hold onto Brogdon unless they are bowled over with an offer.”
The former Rookie of the Year hasn’t materialized into a star guard in the league, but he’s established himself as a consistent role player, showing the ability to adapt to a starting role or a role where he comes off the bench.
After stints with the Milwaukee Bucks and the Indiana Pacers, Brogdon spent the last season with the Boston Celtics. Making 67 appearances and averaging 26 minutes on the floor, Brogdon won Sixth Man of the Year honors during his lone run with the Celtics by averaging 15 points off the bench while shooting 44 percent from three.
Ahead of his age 31 season, Brogdon was moved to the Blazers. While a rebuilding Portland team was expected to ship Brogdon to a contending team at some point, he’s got 39 games under his belt with the Blazers.
Spending nearly 30 minutes on the court with 25 starts, Brogdon has averaged 16 points, six assists, and four rebounds per game. From beyond the arc, he’s knocked down 41 percent of his shots while taking five threes per game.
With the Sixers holding a need for another reliable ball-handler who can help space the floor and has a proven consistent shot as a 39 percent three-point shooter, Brogdon would certainly be a significant addition for Philadelphia.
But with Portland seemingly unwilling to part ways with Brogdon unless they are getting a haul, the Sixers are unlikely to go beyond their comfort zone to meet Portland’s demands.
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