Knicks’ Malcolm Brogdon suddenly retires a week before opener


Just two weeks ago, during the Knicks’ preseason trip to Abu Dhabi for a pair of exhibitions, Malcolm Brogdon didn’t hide his expectations for what his role could be once training camp ended and the opener arrived.

Brogdon, 32 years old and the Sixth Man of the Year during the 2022-23 campaign, wanted to not only make the Knicks’ roster — emerging from a competition with Landry Shamet and Garrison Mathews for the final spot — but also carve out a spot in the rotation. 

But Wednesday afternoon, one week before the opener, Brogdon suddenly decided to retire, he told ESPN in a statement. It was something Brogdon — the Knicks’ only other option for a true point guard besides superstar Jalen Brunson — had been contemplating, according to the outlet, and he reportedly informed team officials Wednesday.


Malcolm Brogdon dribbles during the Knicks' game against the Wizards on Oct. 13, 2025.
Malcolm Brogdon dribbles during the Knicks’ game against the Wizards on Oct. 13, 2025. AP

Malcolm Brogdon (5) shoots during the Knicks' game against the 76ers in Abu Dhabi on Oct. 4, 2025.
Malcolm Brogdon (5) shoots during the Knicks’ game against the 76ers in Abu Dhabi on Oct. 4, 2025. Getty Images

“Today, I officially begin my transition out of my basketball career,” Brogdon said in his 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. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart to all who have had a place in my journey.”

Brogdon, a former second-round pick in 2016, has also played for the Pacers, Celtics, Bucks, Wizards and Trail Blazers, and he inked a non-guaranteed deal with the Knicks last month at the start of training camp. He has dealt with plenty of injuries throughout his career, but Brogdon said just last week that he felt great. It’s unclear what specifically led to his decision to retire this close to the season.

“I think people that haven’t done this have a lot of opinions about some of the greatest athletes in the world,” Brogdon said last week following a Knicks practice, “and I don’t think people actually understand what it’s like to go through this. I don’t think they 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.

“But 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.”

Last year, Brogdon appeared in 24 games — with 13 starts — for the Wizards, and he has collected 51 minutes across the Knicks’ four postseason games, going 5-of-17 from the field and collecting 17 points.



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