Knicks' Malcolm Brogdon decides to retire
The Knicks' Malcolm Brogdon during a preseason game against the Washington Wizards on Monday, Oct. 13, 2025. Credit: AP/Frank Franklin II
Malcolm Brogdon, projected to play a key backup role for the Knicks this season when he signed a one-year contract with them last month, has decided to retire from basketball.
Brogdon told the Knicks of his decision on Wednesday, just seven days before the start of the regular season.
"Today, I officially begin my transition out of my basketball career," Brogdon, 32, told ESPN in a statement. "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. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to all who have had a place in my journey."
Brogdon played nine seasons in the NBA, most recently with the Washington Wizards. He was the Rookie of the Year with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2017, making him the first second-round pick to win the award since 1965. In 2023, he won the Sixth Man of the Year award with the Boston Celtics.
Knicks coach Mike Brown had been very complimentary of Brogdon when assessing what he might bring to the second unit. “He’s been great. He has a steadiness about him that is fantastic, especially with us throwing a lot of new stuff at the group,” Brown said. “He kind of takes it in stride and tries to figure it out and get everyone organized. He’s been good on both ends of the floor. He shot the ball when he needs to shoot it. Drives when he needs to drive it. He’s been solid defensively. You can just feel his veteran presence, especially a guy who has been in a lot of situations.”
No reason was given for Brogdon’s decision, other than ESPN reporting he had been contemplating retirement before making the decision. The veteran guard has dealt with multiple injuries over his last couple of seasons — he was limited to 24 games last season because of an ankle injury — and it is possible that weighed into his decision.
Still, only two weeks ago Brogdon told reporters that he felt great physically and was looking forward to backing up starting point guard Jalen Brunson. Brogdon was the only other veteran on the team who was a true point guard and came in looking to run the second unit.
“I think anything that can take pressure off of Jalen is a big goal for this organization. That’s what I want to do this year,” Brogdon said. “I want to take pressure off of him on both sides of the ball.”
Brogdon said he had turned down other offers to sign a non-guaranteed, $3.3 million contract with the Knicks because at this point in his career he wanted to play on a team like the Knicks that had the potential to go deep into the playoffs.
“I came here with the expectation I’m going to make the team,” Brogdon said. “I feel like what I bring to the team and everything I have to offer, I feel like I can help this team get over the hump this coming year. The situation is out of my control, but I feel like I can help this team.”
Brogdon's retirement makes what had been a logjam for the Knicks' final roster spot a little less jammed. Brogdon, Landry Shamet and Garrison Matthews had been competing for one spot. There was speculation the Knicks were looking to create another open roster spot through a trade to keep at least two of the players.
The Knicks held practice and met with reporters Wednesday before Brogdon’s decision was announced. The team's only comment Wednesday was to congratulate Brogdon on the Knicks' X account.
Barbara Barker is an award-winning columnist and features writer in the sports department at Newsday. She has covered sports in New York for more than 20 years.
