Celtics Mailbag: Blake Griffin future, Malcolm Brogdon trade, role changes

Let’s take a look at an array of questions in our weekly Celtics mailbag. If you have questions about the Celtics or NBA, trade talksor more[email protected] or tweet @briantrobb

Hey Brian,

Any chance the team’s preference was always to keep Brogdon and trade Smart? Were the initial reports of trading Brogdon a smokescreen to soften the blow of trading Smart?

Listening to Brad’s presser after the playoffs he specifically said their biggest issue on offense was their inability to beat the initial point of attack. That, to me, was an indictment of Smart, specifically, and it seemed like the writing was the wall that he was going to be moved.- Matt, Somerville

It’s hard to envision that being the original preference given how public the talks became involving Brogdon with the Clippers. A case can be made that the team was considering moving both if the Clippers deal went through involving Brogdon since that offer from the Grizzlies was clearly on the table for Smart before the day of the deal. Whether Boston would have taken Tyus Jones and the future picks for Smart, we’ll never know for sure but it was evident upgrading the offense was a big priority along with balancing out the roster. Moving Smart helped the team do both.

Alright Brobb

I’d like to talk about Malcolm. I understand why it’s more likely than not he gets traded, but I just don’t think it will be worth it. We’ll see how the season plays out but his shooting is a real plus he’s probably the best shooter on the team (not counting hauser). If it’s for someone like Alex Caruso or OG Anunoby you probably have to make the deal, but now with Smart gone he’ll get more time as a point guard and maybe if White misses some games, he will be the starting point guard playing alongside a loaded starting lineup. What are your thoughts/likelihood that Malcolm is on our roster come next April? Love your work as always, Sean D

The longer the offseason goes, the more likely it is Brogdon at least starts next season with the team. Boston has been sending signals privately and publicly that they want to keep Brogdon after the Clippers trade fell apart and that’s probably the best path they have right now. It’s possible the Clippers could push to reengage if the James Harden deal never comes around but the Celtics would need value for him at this point given the roster composition and it’s hard to find them getting it coming off his injury. If the Celtics are going to make any type of splashy in-season move, the guess here is it involves Brogdon for salary matching purposes but it’s going to take awhile to see if that type of move develops. With the salary issues involved, I’d be surprised if Brogdon lasts beyond this season in Boston.

Why have there been no indication of bringing back Blake griffin? Was a good locker room and a crowd favorite. Was fine when called upon last year. Would be good to keep him as backup big insurance and for the vibes now that smart and Grant are gone. Also, thoughts on Romeo Langford returning? He played well for San Antonio, and he’s a good defender, long, athletic, good cutter, and cheap. Thanks  — Joseph P

It’s been eerily quiet on the Blake Griffin front since the season ended. Brad Stevens made no mention of him in any of his press conferences and that could be a signal the team is moving on. Griffin did his job admirably last year and was a welcome addition to the locker room. For now, the Celtics may want the roster flexibility to consider other additions knowing that Griffin is available as a backup plan for another true big. The team probably isn’t ready to commit guaranteed money to him though until other alternatives are ruled out.

Langford will get a training camp invite somewhere but the odds are it won’t be in Boston. This team could use some depth on the wing but that jumper has not come around. He’s still only 23 but he’s not worth the flier at this point for a team trying to contend.

Brian,

Do we know what Mazzula was trying to do by not playing Grant Williams so often this season? Was he trying to get Hauser more minutes because he valued his 3 shot making ability? Did he take playing time away to get him to stop arguing every call with the refs? I don’t see the logic in not playing a young, up and comer who performed well in the playoffs less than a year earlier. — Malcolm

The guess here is it was about the offense more than anything else. Hauser is a better floor spacer and Williams dealt with a shooting slump at points in the second half of the regular season. As far as this offseason goes, moving on from Williams looks like a financial move more than anything else at this point. The pressure will be on Hauser now to help fill that void although he will see competition from Oshae Brissett for those minutes.