The Indiana Pacers traded Malcolm Brogdon to get Aaron Nesmith, Daniel Theis, three salary fillers, and a first-round draft pick from the Celtics in 2022. They are still laughing as Nesmith has become the best player in this trade, and Brogdon may be out of the NBA. This deal keeps looking better for Indy, and Celtics fans are feeling plenty of regret as Nesmith would be the perfect piece to keep in their retool.
Brogdon lasted just one season in Boston. He won Sixth Man of the Year, but was quickly traded to Portland for Jrue Holiday. Holiday played a key role in the 2024 championship as Brogdon has struggled to stay on the floor. His 63 games over the last two seasons are part of the reason he remains unsigned deep into the NBA offseason.
Nesmith just averaged 12.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.2 assists as he played a key role in Indiana reaching the NBA Finals. The 6’5 wing was starting and often guarding the opposition’s top scorer. He has blossomed into an elite 3-and-D wing, and the Pacers can’t believe Brogdon netted the franchise so much.
Pacers can’t help but laugh at Celtics for Aaron Nesmith trade
Indy flipped the draft pick in a future trade to keep improving their roster. This deal played a key role in their return to contention. The Pacers long believed in Nesmith’s talent and saw a chance to land him. Getting other pieces was the cherry on the sundae.
Brogdon was an outstanding success story for the Pacers. He won Rookie of the Year and blossomed into a 20-point-per-game scorer, but it was time to move on. Nobody expected him to be fighting for his NBA life just three years later. Things happen quickly in this league. The Pacers sold high and got a better player and a draft pick in return.
Nesmith is still improving his game and should see an even bigger role this season with Tyrese Haliburton out. Expect another leap from the 25-year-old as he keeps pouring salt in the Celtics' wound.
Boston has desperately shed salary this offseason in hopes of getting below the luxury tax line. Jayson Tatum is out for the year, and the franchise’s goal is to reset the repeater tax. It has already caused them to dump Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis. They want to trade Anfernee Simons, but haven’t found a partner.
Nesmith is on the perfect contract for the Celtics. He is set to make $11 million each season before becoming an unrestricted free agent in 2027. Quality role players on discount contracts are crucial to any contending roster. Boston wants to make the playoffs, and Nesmith would be the perfect fit next to Jaylen Brown and Derrick White.
The Indiana Pacers absolutely stole Aaron Nesmith from the Celtics, and fans can only laugh as Malcolm Brogdon is currently unsigned. This was a slam dunk trade that keeps getting better for Indy. Making wise moves has become a staple of this front office, and fans should have faith they will return to contention when Haliburton is healthy. The next upgrade is just one trade away. Fans are praying that it can only work out as well as this deal.