What Happened to Malcolm Brogdon? NBA Veteran Abruptly Retires Days Before Season

NBA guard Malcolm Brogdon shocked fans and insiders alike on Wednesday by announcing his sudden retirement from basketball just days before the 2025–26 regular season. The 31-year-old, who signed a one-year deal with the New York Knicks this offseason, said he had lost the “desire and hunger” to keep playing at the highest level.

The announcement came after Brogdon appeared in four preseason games with New York, where he struggled offensively and never scored more than five points. His decision leaves the Knicks scrambling to adjust their backcourt plans just as the season is set to begin.

Inside Malcolm Brogdon’s Sudden Retirement Decision

Brogdon’s exit caught many by surprise because he had been preparing to serve as Jalen Brunson’s backup this season. According to reports from ESPN’s Shams Charania and SNY’s Ian Begley, the 2017 Rookie of the Year had been considering retirement for several weeks but only made the final call during training camp.

Veteran NBA reporter Stefan Bondy noted that it “dawned on him in camp that some of the desire” was gone. Brogdon echoed that sentiment in a statement, saying, “I have proudly given my mind, body, and spirit to the game over the last few decades. I am deeply grateful to have arrived at this point on my own terms.”

Brogdon’s deal with the Knicks was a non-guaranteed Exhibit 9 contract worth $3.2 million if he had played the full season. Despite that, he prioritized walking away on his own terms over one more season on the court.

His retirement opens up a roster spot for New York, which can now consider signing free agents like Landry Shamet or Garrison Mathews before the regular season starts.

A Career Marked by Success and Setbacks

Malcolm Brogdon retires with an impressive résumé. Over nine NBA seasons, he averaged 15.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game, shooting 38.8% from beyond the arc. He was the 2017 NBA Rookie of the Year, the 2023 Sixth Man of the Year, and a rare member of the 50-40-90 club, achieving elite efficiency in the 2018–19 season.

Financially, Brogdon earned over $132.5 million during his career, highlighted by a four-year, $85 million contract he signed with the Indiana Pacers in a sign-and-trade from the Milwaukee Bucks. His journey took him through multiple teams — the Bucks, Pacers, Boston Celtics, Portland Trail Blazers, and finally the Knicks — and he remained respected as one of the league’s most intelligent and professional players.

However, injuries repeatedly interrupted his career. Brogdon missed significant time due to Achilles pain in 2021–22, right elbow tendinitis in 2023–24, and multiple other issues including hamstring, knee, and thumb injuries. He even suffered a partial quadriceps tendon tear in 2017–18. These setbacks, combined with a diminished passion for the game, appear to have contributed to his decision to step away.

What Brogdon’s Exit Means for the Knicks and the NBA

Brogdon’s departure just before the season is a rare move for a player of his caliber. For the Knicks, it means reshuffling their bench rotation and possibly signing additional depth at guard. It also highlights the growing conversation around player mental health and burnout in professional sports.

For the NBA, Brogdon’s exit is another reminder that even successful, well-compensated veterans can lose the drive to continue competing. His decision to retire on his own terms, rather than be forced out by injury or performance decline, reflects a broader shift among athletes prioritizing well-being and personal choice over career longevity.

Malcolm Brogdon’s retirement may have been unexpected, but it underscores his thoughtful approach to life and basketball. As he steps away from the game, he leaves behind a legacy defined by leadership, intelligence, and efficiency — a career that ended on his terms.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What happened to Malcolm Brogdon?

He retired from the NBA just days before the 2025–26 season, saying he had lost the desire to continue playing. He was on a one-year deal with the New York Knicks.

Q2: Why did Malcolm Brogdon retire so suddenly?

Brogdon said the “desire and hunger” to play had faded. Reports suggest he had contemplated retirement for weeks before deciding during Knicks training camp.

Q3: How much did Malcolm Brogdon earn in his NBA career?

He earned over $132.5 million in salary alone, including a four-year, $85 million contract with the Indiana Pacers.

Q4: What are Malcolm Brogdon’s career highlights?

He was NBA Rookie of the Year (2017), Sixth Man of the Year (2023), and a member of the exclusive 50-40-90 shooting club in 2018–19.

Q5: What’s next for the Knicks after Brogdon’s retirement?

The team could sign Landry Shamet or Garrison Mathews to fill the open roster spot or promote one of their young players into a bigger role.