It took a while, but Malcolm Brogdon has finally found a home in free agency, signing a one-year deal with the Knicks. Earlier this offseason, the Milwaukee Bucks were reportedly interested in a reunion.
They ended up going a different route to address their point guard needs, signing Cole Anthony while bringing back Kevin Porter Jr. and Ryan Rollins. One puzzling detail of Brogdon's new deal is that the contract is non-guaranteed, per Ian Begley of SNY, suggesting the Bucks were wise to avoid him.
In hindsight, Bucks' discipline probably saved them from painful overpay
In an injury-plagued 2024-25 campaign for Washington, Brogdon averaged 12.7 points and 4.1 assists on career-worst efficiency from the field (46.7 effective field goal percentage). If the Knicks keep him on the roster, they will bank on a bounce-back this season.
If reports are accurate, a non-guaranteed contract gives them flexibility if Brogdon does not impress in training camp. New York could simply cut him without eating his salary.
It's also a reflection of Brogdon's low value relative to the player he was just two years ago in Boston. There is a reason he was unsigned until now. In the end, it sounds like he has taken what amounts to a camp deal. It's obviously a low-risk investment for a stacked Knicks roster, but the context of the signing is a major red flag.
Concerns over Brogdon's durability likely played a large part in driving the Bucks in another direction. The former Sixth Man of the Year played just 63 games over the past two seasons. Given his health history, his age is also a consideration. Set to turn 33 in December, Brogdon no longer has the wheels he used to.
In Milwaukee, the front office has pivoted to building a young, energetic roster around Giannis Antetokounmpo. Guys like Anthony, 25, and Rollins, 23, are a much better fit for the mold. Porter, the projected starter, is also just 25 years old.
At this point in his career, Brogdon is not going to push the pace. Anthony, on the other hand, is an offensive sparkplug who can effectively command a fast-paced second unit. Defensively, Brogdon is still sturdy but slowing down.
While, in theory, he has a higher floor than any of the Bucks' options, the reality is that he cannot stay healthy. In his career, he has averaged 51 games per season. Far from offering veteran security, Brogdon as a key rotation piece is a risky endeavor.
The Knicks already have Jalen Brunson and Jordan Clarkson at point guard, so, guaranteed contract or not, they don't need to worry as much about whether Brogdon can contribute. That would not be the case for the Bucks. Avoiding Brogdon altogether only looks better with how his free agency has played out.