Malcolm Brogdon Retires After Nine NBA Seasons, Capping Career with Knicks

Malcolm Brogdon #15 of the Washington Wizards celebrates during the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Capital One Arena on December 19, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)

By Liam Tate | Oct 15, 2025 | 6:58 PM |

New York Knicks guard Malcolm Brogdon has announced his retirement from basketball after nine NBA seasons, he told ESPN’s Shams Charania on Wednesday.

Brogdon, 32, signed a one-year deal with the Knicks in September and was expected to serve as a reserve guard under head coach Mike Brown. However, after deliberating during training camp, he informed team officials of his decision to step away from the game before the start of the 2025–26 season.

“Today, I officially begin my transition out of my basketball career,” Brogdon said in a statement to ESPN. “I have proudly given my mind, body and spirit to the game over the last few decades. With the many sacrifices it took to get here, I have received many rewards.”

“I am deeply grateful to have arrived to this point on my own terms and now to be able to reap the benefits of my career with my family and friends.”

A second-round pick in the 2016 NBA Draft (No. 36 overall), Brogdon spent time with the Milwaukee Bucks, Indiana Pacers, Boston Celtics, Portland Trail Blazers, and Washington Wizards before signing with New York. 

Over his career, he averaged 15.3 points, 4.7 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game while shooting 46.4 percent from the field and 38.4 percent from three.

Brogdon was named Rookie of the Year in 2017 with Milwaukee and earned Sixth Man of the Year honors in 2023 with Boston.

Last season, Brogdon played in only 24 games for the Washington Wizards, averaging 12.7 points, 4.1 assists, and 3.8 rebounds, while shooting 29 percent from three, a career low. He dealt with recurring injuries during his time in Washington and Portland but said as recently as last week that he “felt great” entering Knicks camp.

“I think people that haven’t done this have a lot of opinions about some of the greatest athletes in the world,” Brogdon said following a Knicks practice last week. “I don’t think people actually understand what your body must feel like to play at this level for years and years. I don’t think they understand the wear and tear of this game.”

He continued: “When you sign up for this, you sign the contract and people are going to have opinions. You just, as a player, you gotta block that out because it doesn’t matter. You have to try to stay healthy, and when you’re healthy, dominate.”

Across nine seasons, Brogdon appeared in 527 regular-season games, starting 318. His most productive campaign came in 2019–20 with the Indiana Pacers, where he averaged 16.5 points and 7.1 assists. 

He was also part of the 2022–23 Celtics team that reached the Eastern Conference Finals, where he played a critical bench role before an injury late in the series.

Brogdon’s decision leaves the Knicks with an open roster spot as they continue to finalize their backcourt rotation. 

His retirement comes just two weeks before New York’s regular-season opener against the Boston Celtics.

Brogdon retires as one of the league’s most respected guards. He was known for efficiency, professionalism, and leadership across multiple organizations. 

“Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to all who have had a place in my journey,” Brogdon said.