Celtics might be desperate enough to bring back name fans never expected

The Boston Celtics find themselves in a interesting situation this offseason. After the unfortunate Achilles injury that Jayson Tatum suffered during Game 4 of their Eastern Conference semifinal matchup with the New York Knicks, it's uncertain if the Celtics can be a real contender next year without their best player. With that being the case, it may be the perfect conditions for them to add one familiar face back to the roster: Malcolm Brogdon.

Celtics fans have fond memories of Brogdon after his Sixth Man of the Year campaign with the team back in 2022-23. However, the end of his time in Boston was a little complicated. When the Celtics knew they wanted to trade for Kristaps Porzingis, they attempted to use Brogdon as a bargaining chip and supposedly had a three-team deal in place to send him to the LA Clippers.

When that deal ultimately fell through, Brogdon was certainly less than thrilled. Boston instead finalized a separate three-team trade that sent Malcolm to the Portland Trail Blazers and shipped Marcus Smart off to the Memphis Grizzlies.

So with all that said, it's possible Brogdon still has some issues with people in the Celtics' front office and isn't comfortable with a reunion. But if he's mended those wounds, making a return to Boston could make a lot of sense.

Malcolm Brogdon could be the perfect fit in Boston's "gap year"

There are certainly a lot of variables at play when it comes to just how successful the Celtics will be next season in terms of their win-loss record. But if they're still looking to put a competitive product on the floor and make a deep playoff run in an admittedly weak Eastern Conference, it would make a lot of sense to put another secondary creator and stabilizing offensive force on the floor alongside Jaylen Brown.

Brogdon is the kind of seasoned veteran that played with the poise of a 15-year player in his rookie season. He's about as reliable a ball-handler as you can find in this league, and he calms down his team when chaos is ensuing. But he's not just a simple game manager. Malcolm can also get to the rim and hit jumpers from a variety of spots on the floor when needed.

With the Celtics' financial situation being what it is and not having the ability to spend a whole lot, they will need potentially low-cost options like Brogdon. After a couple of down seasons with Portland and Washington due to injuries, Malcolm could be available for cheaper than in years past.

This obviously wouldn't be an earth-shattering move, but Boston is frankly not in a position to make such a move at the moment. Instead, reuniting with Malcolm Brogdon could be just what the doctor ordered for the Celtics.