Knicks improve bench with former Sixth Man of the Year

Brogdon has been a free agent since his contract with the Washington Wizards expired at the end of the 2024-25 season. His addition will give the Knicks some additional ball-handling, playmaking and three-level scoring to help bolster their overall depth ahead of a potential championship push.

Malcolm Brogdon is a former Sixth Man of the Year

Brogdon spent the 2022-23 season with the Boston Celtics. His production saw him win the Sixth Man of the Year award. Unfortunately for Brogdon, he was shipped out via trade that summer, heading to the Portland Trail Blazers as part of the deal that landed Jrue Holiday in Boston.

Brogdon was part of the Celtics roster that lost to the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals. Joe Mazzulla, in his debut season as head coach, made sure to manage Brogdon's minutes throughout the season. New Knicks coach Mike Brown will likely need to adopt a similar approach if he wants to get the best out of the team's latest veteran addition.

Malcolm Brogdon's availability continues to be an issue

In his nine-year career, Brogdon has played in 60 or more regular-season games on three occasions. In the past two seasons, he's suited up for 63 of a potential 164 regular-season games. Injuries have derailed his ability to carve out a consistent role in the league. 

The Knicks will undoubtedly be aware of Brogdon's injury history. However, the upside he provides when healthy would have been a draw. After all, the Knicks ranked dead last in the NBA for points per game from their bench unit last season. Brogdon's ability to create for himself and others should alleviate some of those struggles.

New York is rolling the dice with the addition of Brogdon. If he can stay healthy, he will be an important part of Brown's rotation. And if not, his contract is small enough that it can be moved later in the season. This is a low-risk strategy for the Knicks, and one that could ensure star guard Jalen Brunson is fresh once the 2026 playoffs get underway.