Malcolm Brogdon’s last NBA contract with the New York Knicks was more about clarity, character, and closure than it was about financial ambition. He signed a $3.3 million, one-year Exhibit 9 contract, which was remarkably modest for a player who used to fetch $85 million in Indiana. However, it represented a man who always prioritized balance over noise and purpose over prestige.
Brogdon’s career earnings over nine NBA seasons exceeded $137 million, which is a testament to his quiet brilliance and consistency. He had a very effective trajectory for a second-round draft pick. He went from being a forgotten senior in college to becoming one of the league’s smartest and most admired guards. His retirement at age 32, only a few weeks after joining the Knicks, was a purposeful full stop rather than a retreat; it was the kind of decision made by someone who understood both talent and timing.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Malcolm Moses Brogdon |
| Born | December 11, 1992 – Atlanta, Georgia, USA |
| Height / Weight | 6 ft 5 in / 229 lbs |
| Position | Point Guard / Shooting Guard |
| College | University of Virginia |
| Drafted | 2016 NBA Draft, Round 2 (#36 Overall) by Milwaukee Bucks |
| NBA Debut | October 26, 2016 |
| Last Team | New York Knicks (2025) |
| Total Career Earnings | $137,116,336 |
| Major Contracts | 4 years / $85,000,000 (Indiana Pacers, 2019) ; 2 years / $45,000,000 (Portland Trail Blazers, 2023) ; 1 year / $3,303,774 (New York Knicks, 2025) |
| Career Highlights | 2017 Rookie of the Year, 2023 Sixth Man of the Year, 50-40-90 Club (2019) |
Fans viewed the Knicks’ announcement of his signing in September 2025 as a sensible move, as it would provide veteran stability to a backcourt that was led by Jalen Brunson. Brogdon’s composed demeanor and selfless style of play were thought to be especially advantageous for a team looking to combine youth and experience. However, he released a statement expressing gratitude and introspection prior to the start of the season, announcing his retirement. Many were surprised by his choice, but to those who knew him well, with his calm manner and rigorous intellect, it was a logical one.
In retrospect, each of Brogdon’s contracts represented a different stage of his development. His rookie contract with Milwaukee, which was worth $3.8 million over three years, was small but significant; it served as the cornerstone of a resilient career. The turning point was then reached in 2019 when he signed a four-year, $85 million contract with the Indiana Pacers through a sign-and-trade. He gained financial and professional advancement as a result of the agreement, which also allowed him to lead according to his own terms.
That contract, which was notably fully guaranteed, demonstrated Indiana’s faith in his maturity and effectiveness. During his tenure, Brogdon led a younger roster with quiet authority and averaged over 21 points per game at his best. He was a crucial component because of his leadership and consistency; he was a player who was incredibly effective despite not always being showy.
His journey took a different turn by 2023. After being traded from Boston, where he had just won the 2023 Sixth Man of the Year award, he agreed to a two-year, $45 million extension with the Portland Trail Blazers. He demonstrated that his skill set was still sharp with the Celtics, scoring 14.9 points per game on 44% shooting from beyond the arc. He was extremely effective even in a supporting capacity, adjusting to new situations and teammates with ease.
But his later years were marred by injuries. His game was slightly altered and his explosiveness was limited due to an elbow injury he sustained during the 2023 playoffs. Brogdon remained professional in spite of this. He became a calming influence in a youthful locker room during his time with Portland, especially coaching guards like Scoot Henderson. This action demonstrated his unselfish dedication to growth rather than dominance.
A different kind of value was attached to his last contract with New York, which was a brief Exhibit 9 agreement. Presence was more important than money. The Knicks acquired one of the smartest players of his generation for $3.3 million. Names like Brogdon’s are rarely linked to Exhibit 9 contracts, which are frequently used for preseason depth. However, he demonstrated humility and a willingness to mentor others despite the lack of assurances by accepting it. It was incredibly symbolic and surprisingly inexpensive; it was the mark of a player who valued impact over money.
Then he moved away, almost poetically. His decision to retire after nine seasons was well-considered and based on self-awareness rather than controversy or hardship. He told ESPN’s Shams Charania, “I’m grateful,” summarizing a consistent and noteworthy career. For Brogdon, quitting the game was a transition from performance to purpose rather than a conclusion.
His accomplishments off the court were just as remarkable. Brogdon changed thousands of lives by funding clean water projects throughout Africa through his nonprofit organization Hoops2O. He was honored for this in 2020 with the NBA’s J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award, which seemed almost inevitable for a man who was as calm as he was kind. His humanitarian endeavors placed him in the company of individuals whose contributions go well beyond basketball courts, such as Dikembe Mutombo and Pau Gasol.
In terms of money, his contract history shows a career of consistent, astute bargaining. Brogdon’s extensions were designed for flexibility and long-term security, in contrast to players who are looking for the best deals. Both his $45 million deal with the Trail Blazers and his $85 million contract with the Pacers were extremely effective contracts that valued consistency over flash. While some of his peers, like Mike Conley and Fred VanVleet, made marginally more money, few were able to balance professionalism and output as well as Brogdon did.
He was reminded of his accuracy and poise when he was added to the elite 50-40-90 shooting club during the 2018–19 season, which put him in the same conversation as Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry. For a guard who is frequently described as “steady” rather than spectacular, that achievement—achieved while leading the league in free-throw percentage—was especially novel.
Even though it was brief, Brogdon’s last chapter in New York highlights a trend that is becoming more and more apparent in the NBA: veterans are choosing meaningful roles or timely exits over chasing dwindling minutes. He demonstrated how athletes can retire on their own terms by choosing to accept an Exhibit 9 contract, which was a path of dignity and control. Players like Andre Iguodala and Shaun Livingston, who put their health and legacy before continuing to deteriorate, are reminiscent of this path.
Additionally, his departure reflects a cultural shift among contemporary athletes: a greater focus on personal agency, mental wellness, and post-career purpose. Armed with a Virginia master’s degree in public policy, Brogdon was bound to make an impact outside of the hardwood. His composed exit only served to validate what many had already assumed: that his leadership would transcend into philanthropy, activism, and education.
When considered as a whole, Malcolm Brogdon’s contract history reads more like a narrative of development than a financial report. Every contract he signed, from his first $875,000 rookie salary to his multi-million dollar extensions and his last modest one-year contract, reflected his values and marked a different phase of his career.
