ESPN's Shams Charania reports that Malcolm Brogdon has signed a one-year deal with the New York Knicks.
Brogdon came over to the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2023 offseason as part of the (first) Jrue Holiday trade with the Boston Celtics. Brogdon had just won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award and played a key role for the Blazers off the bench, with Portland starting Anfernee Simons and Scoot Henderson in the backcourt to start the season. Brogdon was productive during his limited time in Portland, averaging 15.7 points, 5.5 assists, and 3.8 rebounds in 28.7 minutes per game. He was Portland's most efficient three-point shooter that season as well, connecting on 41.2% of his attempts from beyond the arc. Unfortunately, multiple injuries got in the way, as Brogdon only played 39 games that season.
Knicks wisely take a chance on Malcolm Brogdon
In the 2024 offseason, Brogdon was an obvious trade candidate for the Blazers. They were coming off a 21-win season and needed to make a move to duck the luxury tax, with the veteran guard on an expiring deal being the odd man out.
Trading Brogdon was expected, but what was surprising was who he was traded for. Many assumed that the rebuilding Blazers would look to flip Brogdon to a contender in exchange for future assets. Instead, Blazers general manager Joe Cronin took the opposite approach, sending Brogdon and draft capital to the Washington Wizards in exchange for rising star Deni Avdija. That bold move paid off in a significant way. Avdija had his career-best season in his first year with the Blazers and has emerged as the cornerstone of their entire rebuild.
Unfortunately for Brogdon and the Wizards, his injuries continued. He played 24 games in 2024-25, and his production declined when he was available, averaging just 12.7 points and 4.1 assists while shooting a career low 28.6% from deep during that stretch. The rebuilding Wizards decided to part ways with the declining veteran this summer, giving the contending Knicks a golden opportunity to add much-needed backcourt depth.
Ian Begley of SNY reports that Brogdon's deal is non-guaranteed, meaning it's still possible he won't receive a roster spot. The Knicks also brought in Landry Shamet, so they will either need to make a trade or choose between which veteran guard to keep.
Brogdon has proven throughout his underrated career that he's the more talented option. At 32 years old, he still has plenty left in the tank and is a worthwhile flyer for the Knicks. They were wise to pick him up and should do everything they can to keep him around. If Brogdon is healthy, he could be just the missing piece they need to make a championship run.