Here’s why a Raptors-Pacers Malcolm Brogdon trade won’t happen

The Toronto Raptors know that they need to establish themselves as contenders by bringing in one or two noteworthy names in the offseason. Given the needs this team has, making a big move for Indiana Pacers guard Malcolm Brogdon sounds like a promising fit on paper.

Brogdon, who will turn 30 during his seventh NBA season next year, is fresh off averaging 20.4 points and 5.9 assists per game in the last two seasons. While he has been one of the few constants for Indiana, Brogdon might be on the move considering the direction of his franchise.

The Pacers appear to be headed towards a long rebuild, which has prompted speculation that Brogdon and Myles Turner could easily be on the move. Potentially in the market for a Sixth Man that could carry the bench or a seismic move for a starter that tweaks the lineup, the Raptors look like a promising destination for Brogdon.

Indiana could be a motivated seller, as they may reorient their entire long-term gameplan to build around Tyrese Haliburton. Even with the Pacers wanting to get a package of players and picks for Brogdon, he might not be the best fit in Toronto. Giving up prime assets to get him seems unwise.

Will the Toronto Raptors trade for Malcolm Brogdon?

While Brogdon is one of the more underrated young scorers in the league, he’s at his best with the ball in his hands as the offensive orchestrator. You don’t need me to tell you that Fred VanVleet will be dominating the ball in Toronto. Gutting the roster and playing their new prize out of position would be a puzzling move.

Let’s assume that Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet, and Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes are off-limits. Let’s also assume that Toronto would probably like to keep Precious Achiuwa. That means that either Gary Trent Jr. or OG Anunoby would be in the Brogdon package. Is that even much of the upgrade?

Brogdon is also a free agent at the end of this season. Siakam and VanVleet are both extension eligible, and Toronto will need to keep their books open in order to prepare for Scottie Barnes’ eventual extension. Brogdon will take up tons of cap room if he comes to Toronto, making it tougher to retain their stars.

Brogdon is a fantastic player in a vacuum, but this is a textbook case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Toronto should only trade a starter for someone that could be a second or third option in the starting lineup, and Brogdon is not that type of player.