When the Pacers picked up Malcolm Brogdon in 2019, it was lauded as one of the best moves of the summer.
Just three years later, Brogdon could be headed for the exit as the team shifts focus to Tyrese Haliburton.
Set to make over $60 million in the next three years, the Pacers will have to trade him if they want him off the roster. According to Marc Stein, that’s exactly what they plan to do.
“Sources say that the Pacers have also left numerous rival teams with the impression that they will be trying to move Malcolm Brogdon this offseason when Brogdon is finally eligible again to be dealt.”
Rick Carlisle forcefully shot down suggestions he wants to move to the front office, but there is still much to be settled with the Pacers before next season.
Haliburton, Brogdon, Turner … we get into it all in the latest This Week In Basketball column: https://t.co/5N7oxIkIHe
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) April 9, 2022
Brogdon has produced some solid numbers in Indiana. In three seasons, he has averaged 18.9 points, 6.3 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per game on 44% shooting.
Before becoming a Pacer, Brogdon played with Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee, serving as a two-way guard and locker-room leader, building a solid relationship with his teammates at the time.
After he was traded, Giannis even admitted that he wished he was still on the team.
“Definitely wish he was still here,” Antetokounmpo said. “One of my friends, one of the guys that I always teased every day when I see him – call him ugly, we’re just going back and forth. I’m going to miss that, but at the end of the day, you got to do what’s best for you. I wish him the best, I wish his team the best and I’m excited to play against him.”
The truth is, Brogdon isn’t going to be a star — but he is someone who can make an immediate impact on any team in the league.
With the Lakers, for example, his two-sided game and non-dominant play would make a great pairing next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Still, it remains to be seen how Brogdon’s future will play out. There is no question that if the Pacers are serious about trading him, there will be no shortage of suitors lined up for his services.
