Malcolm Brogdon, entering his 10th NBA season, chose to join the New York Knicks this offseason on a non-guaranteed deal. The veteran point guard explained that he had numerous other opportunities in free agency, but the chance to play for New York outweighed them.
“Going into my 10th year, I wanted to be in a good organization that’s competing and trying to win a championship,” Brogdon said after practice on Sunday. “I had that in Milwaukee, and in Boston, I really had that. Here, there’s a real shot.”
After a tough past season with the Washington Wizards, Brogdon said the move to Madison Square Garden was an easy one. One of the primary reasons is the opportunity to play alongside Jalen Brunson.
“Anything that can take pressure off Jalen is the big goal going forward with this team,” Brogdon said. “That’s what I want to do this year: Take pressure off him on both sides of the ball — and everybody else.”
- Malcolm Brogdon signed a non-guaranteed contract with the Knicks, choosing New York for a chance at a championship.
- The 32-year-old guard is expected to support Jalen Brunson and provide steady veteran depth if he secures a final roster spot.
- Coach Mike Brown praised Brogdon’s presence and adaptability as the Knicks prepare for preseason games in Abu Dhabi.
Injury History and Veteran Adaptability
Brogdon comes to New York after a stop-start year in Washington, where an ankle injury kept him on the shelf for most of the season. During his time on the court, his shot betrayed him — he only made three-pointers at 29 percent, a career low.
The year before, with the Portland Trail Blazers, he played in 39 games. His most productive recent season was with the Boston Celtics, when he was named the league’s Sixth Man of the Year.
Brogdon, who will turn 33 in December, acknowledged his journey through multiple systems. “The last three years I’ve had three different systems, different playing styles and different coaches,” he said. “I do think that gives me an edge on other new guys coming here, being able to adjust fast. I think that’s what this league is all about: Who can adjust fastest.”
Knicks head coach Mike Brown praised what Brogdon has shown so far. “Especially with us throwing a lot of new stuff at the group, he takes it in stride,” Brown said. “He’s good on both sides of the ball. You feel his veteran presence, especially as a guy who’s been in a lot of different situations.”
Knicks’ Betting Odds and Market Shifts
Sportsbooks currently rank the Knicks among the top five contenders for the 2026 NBA championship. FanDuel lists the Knicks at +1000 to win the Finals, while DraftKings had them tied for second at +750 when the market opened in June. BetMGM opened with the Knicks at +900, and consensus trackers now show them between +850 and +1000.
For the Eastern Conference, FanDuel lists New York at +350 to win, with the Cleveland Cavaliers at +220. Across major sportsbooks, the Knicks’ regular-season win total is set at 52.5, which has held steady since the summer.
The Knicks’ preseason schedule also carries betting attention. They are set to face the Philadelphia 76ers in Abu Dhabi at Etihad Arena on Yas Island on Thursday, October 2, and Saturday, October 4. Player availability may affect betting lines, as the 76ers have listed Joel Embiid and Paul George as game-time decisions. On the Knicks’ side, Ariel Hukporti and Pacome Dadiet are also listed as game-time decisions for October 1.
Betting volume has consistently leaned toward New York in recent seasons. During the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals, DraftKings reported that 78% of betting money was placed on the Knicks.
Competition for Roster Spot
Despite not having a guaranteed deal, Brogdon clarified that he did not sign with uncertainty. “I come here with the expectation to make the team,” he said. “I feel like what I bring to the table, everything I have to offer, can help this team get over the hump this coming year. The decision is out of my control. I know I can help this team.”
The Knicks are hard-capped at the second apron, meaning they can keep only one veteran on a non-guaranteed contract without a trade. Alongside Brogdon, Landry Shamet, and Garrison Mathews are also on non-guaranteed contracts, competing for the same spot.
Brogdon said he was in “talks for a while” with the Knicks before signing. “I was really set on being on the Knicks,” he explained. “It’s a privilege to put this jersey on and compete with this team, especially with where they are and the year they came off of. I didn’t want to be anywhere else.”
NBA insider Shams Charania of ESPN reported that Brogdon is expected to play a “key bench role” for the Knicks. He signed his Exhibit 9 contract with the team on September 16, 2025.
Training Camp, Abu Dhabi Trip, and Team Chemistry
In training camp, Brogdon has already gone up against Brunson and looks forward to playing alongside him. “He’s an excellent player,” Brogdon said. “A superstar in this league.”
The Knicks departed for Abu Dhabi on Sunday afternoon. They are scheduled to land at 3 p.m. local time, which is eight hours ahead of New York. Coach Brown explained that player adjustment would be a priority. “One thing we may try to do is when we land, we don’t want guys going to sleep,” Brown said after Sunday’s practice. “We’ll go to the hotel, hang out a little bit and then we’re gonna strategically practice at a certain time to keep their bodies right.”
The Knicks will hold a light practice after arrival. Brown has previous experience managing overseas travel with NBA teams. He traveled to China with LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, and later with the Golden State Warriors, when Steph Curry and Klay Thompson were on the roster.
Brogdon’s Potential Role
With head coach Mike Brown in charge for the 2025-26 season, the Knicks are considered one of the deepest teams in the league. The roster features Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Josh Hart, and Jordan Clarkson, with Brogdon expected to provide veteran stability off the bench.
Brown described him as “great” and said, “He has a steadiness about him that is fantastic to be around, especially with us throwing a lot of stuff at the new group.”
Brogdon has been clear about his mindset. “I come here with the expectation I’m going to make the team,” he said. “I feel that what I bring to the table and have to offer, I can help this team. The decision is out of my control, but I feel like I have what it takes to help this team.”
