With the Indiana Pacers currently transitioning into a slim rebuild, the decision-making within the front office should align with the direction of the franchise this offseason. As a result, the Pacers should be willing to offload some of their veteran talents via trade, including guard Malcolm Brogdon.
After years of mediocrity, Indiana is suddenly taking a different approach to constructing its roster, one that’s prioritizing the long-term future over a win-now mentality. It ignited before last season’s trade deadline when All-Star forward Domantas Sabonis was traded to the Sacramento Kings in a deal that returned Tyrese Haliburton, a promising 22-year-old guard, and three-point specialist Buddy Hield. Similar moves should be expected to come this summer.
While the Pacers shift their focus to building around Haliburton, Myles Turner, and young talents such as Chris Duarte, Oshae Brissett, Isaiah Jackson, and the sixth-overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the organization part ways with experienced veterans that would help teams that are committed to winning now. Twenty-nine-year-old floor general Malcolm Brogdon would be the first that comes to mind, and there will certainly be interest in his two-way services.
As the Indiana Pacers ponder the idea of trading Malcolm Brogdon this offseason, we take a look at five potential suitors for the veteran guard.
Despite only playing 36 games due to reoccurring injuries this past season, Brogdon averaged 19.1 points, 5.9 assists, and 5.1 rebounds on 44.8 percent shooting from the floor across 33.5 minutes per game. He’s been a productive contributor each year since entering the league in 2016 when he’s been on the court.
Injuries have been a common concern for Brogdon during his six-year career in the NBA, but he’s proved to be an excellent ball-handler, intelligent facilitator, consistent scorer, and reliable perimeter defender when healthy. The 2016-17 Rookie of the Year would provide value to any team’s backcourt.
The Pacers will surely listen to offers for Brogdon this offseason, especially if they draft another guard such as Purdue’s Jaden Ivey or Kentucky’s Shaedon Sharpe with their upcoming lottery pick.
Let’s dive into five potential suitors that could be interested in acquiring the effective point guard.