Brogdon opts for Celtics over Raptors: They're 'further along'

Malcolm Brogdon is slated to be a key piece for the Boston Celtics this season, but the guard recently revealed he had the option to land with another team - the Toronto Raptors.

"Toronto and Boston popped up," Brogdon said during an interview with SiriusXM's NBA Radio this week, per Mass Live's Brian Robb. "We had a choice to pursue - there wasn't an offer on the table yet from either of them, but the Pacers came to me and said we could pursue either of them and which one would I rather pursue? I choose Boston."

The Pacers ultimately agreed to a deal with the Celtics, trading away the former Rookie of the Year for Malik Fitts, Juwan Morgan, Aaron Nesmith, Nik Stauskas, Daniel Theis, and a first-round pick.

Brogdon said he picked Boston over Toronto because he believes the club is closer to winning a championship.

"I thought this team was farther along," Brogdon said, "They have a superstar in Jayson Tatum and probably another superstar in Jaylen Brown as well. I thought it would be a great fit for me because I wanted to win right now."

Likely slotting in as the team's sixth man, Brogdon could play a huge role for the Celtics on their quest for the title this season after reaching the NBA Finals last campaign. Among Boston's returnees, only Derrick White averaged double-digit points off the bench in 2021-22.

Brogdon has averaged 15.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.8 assists across 333 career appearances.