One of the bigger trades leading up to the 2022 NBA Trade Deadline was the Indiana Pacers sending Domantas Sabonis to the Sacramento Kings for a package that included budding point guard, Tyrese Haliburton. Haliburton was someone no one thought the Kings would trade, but they thought highly enough of Sabonis to part ways with him.
Haliburton is now the point guard of the future in Indiana, which bears the question; what will now happen with Malcolm Brogdon? Brogdon was one of the few players that were not going anywhere ahead of the trade deadline as he was ineligible to be traded because of the extension he signed before the season began. But, that is lifted this offseason, so Brogdon can be on the move.
Could Brogdon be on the move this offseason? On a recent episode of the HoopsHype Podcast with Michael Scotto and guest, Indiana Pacers beat writer Scott Agness, Brogdon’s future was one of the topics of discussion.
“One executive specifically mentioned that Indiana traded their best player in Domantas Sabonis for a younger player in Tyrese Haliburton, who plays the same position as Brogdon. To him and other executives on a broader scale, it signaled a change in the direction for the franchise and that Brogdon could be more expendable. These executives certainly think that teams are going to be after him to try and get an upgrade at point guard and that Indiana would certainly be willing to listen.”
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: These 3 Teams Should Monitor Potential Pacers’ Malcolm Brogdon Trade
While Tyrese Haliburton and Malcolm Brogdon may both be listed as point guards, there are enough differences in their skillsets for the two of them to coexist in the same backcourt. If anything, pairing Brogdon with Haliburton could be a great thing for his game.
Malcolm Brogdon was at his best with the Milwaukee Bucks when he was playing more off the ball. He is a capable point guard and playmaker, but he can thrive and play a more efficient brand of basketball when he doesn’t have the ball in his hands all of the time or is required to run the offense full-time.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: These 3 Teams Should Monitor Potential Pacers’ Malcolm Brogdon Trade
But, at 29-years old, it could make some sense for the Pacers to move on from Brogdon, as Haliburton and Chris Duarte are building blocks for the backcourt. If teams are going to make calls and present offers for Brogdon, it makes sense for Indiana to at least listen and do some due diligence.
Opinions on Brogdon’s extension vary depending on the team. Some are glad that he is under contract for an extra season and understand the value. But, others may no longer be interested in a player who turns 30 during the 2022-23 season.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: These 3 Teams Should Monitor Potential Pacers’ Malcolm Brogdon Trade
Given the need for ball-handlers around the league, if Indiana tries hard enough, they should be able to find a taker for Malcolm Brogdon this offseason. Opening up cap space would be a win for the Indiana Pacers as their backcourt is set for the next few years with Haliburton and Duarte.
