Former Rookie of the Year Malcolm Brogdon may not be a starting-level guard anymore, but he still remains one of the most efficient players off the bench in the league.
Brogdon played for the Washington Wizards last season and is now an unrestricted free agent. However, we are nearly three weeks into free agency, and he has yet to find his new home. What could be the possible reasons?
Explaining Why 2023 NBA Sixth Man of the Year Malcolm Brogdon is Still a Free Agent?
Brogdon’s track record speaks for itself. He carries career averages of 15.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game, shooting 43.3/38.8/87.4 percent from the field, three-point line, and free-throw line, respectively. During the 2024-25 season, he averaged 12.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game.
What a year for the #KiaSixth, Malcolm Brogdon!
14.9 PPG
48.4 FG%
44.4 3P%
87.0 FT%
3.7 APG/1.5 TOEfficient and effective off the @celtics bench 🔥 pic.twitter.com/YlvI6VOXrZ
— NBA (@NBA) April 21, 2023
While those numbers might look modest on paper, the support he brings makes him an efficient secondary player. So, why are the NBA teams yet to poach him?
One of the main reasons Brogdon is still available on the open market is his injury history. He has played just 63 games in the last two years, four fewer than in 2022-23, when he won the Sixth Man of the Year award.
Even during that season, there were injury concerns about Brogdon, and when the Boston Celtics tried to trade him to the Los Angeles Clippers, it fell through at the last moment. He was eventually sent to the Portland Trail Blazers in October that year, but suffered abductor and knee injuries in the latter part of the season in 2024, which limited him to 39 games.
During those 39 games, Brogdon averaged over 15 points and five assists per game, showing how efficient he is when healthy. However, after arriving in Washington last year, he has dealt with a series of issues ranging from the elbow to the thumb, knee, hamstring, ankle, and foot, limiting him to just 24 games.
However, given Brogdon’s efficiency when healthy, his wait isn’t going to last long.
Possible Landing Spots For Brogdon
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer’s Tuesday report, “the Wizards are open to sign-and-trade discussions to facilitate Malcolm Brogdon’s exit from Washington.”
Fischer added that “a slew of teams have registered varying levels of interest in the 32-year-old.” His reported list of suitors includes the Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, New Orleans Pelicans, Minnesota Timberwolves, Golden State Warriors, and the Phoenix Suns.
For the Lakers, he provides veteran backcourt depth that complements LeBron James and Anthony Davis. His shooting ability and basketball IQ make him a solid addition to their championship aspirations.
Both the Warriors and Suns could benefit from his leadership and shooting prowess. Meanwhile, the Clippers view him as someone who could enhance their offensive flow while bringing defensive versatility. However, he reportedly ranks as their second option behind Chris Paul.
The Timberwolves present an intriguing scenario. With an aging Mike Conley and inexperienced Rob Dillingham on the roster, Brogdon could provide stability at the guard position while serving as a veteran bridge between the team’s young core and established stars.
The Pelicans and Kings, two rising contenders, could use a player like Brogdon to strengthen their bench. His veteran presence and clutch playoff experience make him a valuable asset.
The Milwaukee Bucks were among the other teams linked with Brogdon, but they signed Gary Trent Jr. and brought in other guards, with Fischer reporting they’re no longer in contention for his services.
Despite concerns about Brogdon’s injury history, multiple teams remain interested in the veteran guard’s services. His combination of shooting, playmaking, and playoff experience should help him find a new NBA home soon.
