4 Deals that should have happened at the 2024 NBA trade deadline

3. Malcolm Brogdon

Current team: Portland Trail Blazers
Better trade proposal: Malcolm Brogdon to the Houston Rockets

If the Portland Trail Blazers had received offers for Malcolm Brogdon and Jerami Grant that included developing players and/or draft picks, it would have been beneficial for them to consider. However, the offers presented were not enticing enough for the Blazers to part ways with Brogdon.

The Rockets already have a surplus of talent on the wings with players like Jalen Green, Tari Eason, Cam Whitmore, and Amen Thompson. While these players are currently on rookie contracts, it will become increasingly difficult to keep all four of them alongside Jabari Smith Jr. and Alperen Şengün once they start signing extensions.

By incorporating Brogdon's playmaking abilities and consistent outside shooting into the minutes of someone like Green, the Rockets could have potentially expedited their return to playoff contention.