Malcolm Brogdon. Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images

Malcolm Brogdon's retirement may have saved one player's career

By Adam Taylor | Last updated Oct 15, 2025 4:33 PM ET

Malcom Brogdon has spent the past few weeks training with the New York Knicks. He signed a non-guaranteed deal ahead of the team's training camp. Given his experience, ability to take care of the ball and three-level scoring, Brogdon was expected to make the Knicks roster for the 2025-26 season.

However, the Knicks had also added Landry Shamet on a similar deal. If New York wanted to keep both veterans, a trade would have been required. Pacome Dadiet was cited as the most logical trade chip for New York.

On Wednesday, Brogdon made the shocking decision to call time on his career and announce his immediate retirement from the NBA.

"Today, I officially begin my transition out of my basketball career. I have proudly given my mind, body, and spirit to the game over the last few decades," Brogdon wrote in a statement. "With the many sacrifices it took to get here, I have received many rewards. I am deeply grateful to have arrived to this point on my own terms and now to be able to reap the benefits of my career with my family and friends. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to all who have had a place in my journey."

Malcolm Brogdon was set to make the Knicks' regular season roster, but had been contemplating retirement and informed Knicks officials on Wednesday of his decision. Full statement from Brogdon on his sudden retirement: https://t.co/Z8IdTGBznj pic.twitter.com/WX2Gfc7bHv
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 15, 2025

Brogdon's decision to retire will undoubtedly have caught the Knicks off guard. After all, he was projected to be a key part of the team's second unit. His presence could have been vital in what projects to be a long and potentially successful season for head coach Mike Brown's team.

The fact that he's chosen to retire before a season in which he could have become an NBA champion is baffling.

Pacome Dadiet is the only winner here

Brogdon's decision could have an impact on the Knicks this season. They were likely preparing to have another veteran ball-handler on the roster. However, without Brogdon fighting for a roster spot, Dadiet can now continue developing his game under Brown and fighting for a spot in the rotation.

Until Brogdon's decision, it looked like Dadiet's time in New York was done. There was no guarantee that his next team would have found minutes or developmental time for him. So, sticking in New York, where he was a recent draft pick, could be what's best for his career despite the difficult path to regular minutes.

Brogdon may have saved Dadiet's career with the Knicks by choosing to retire. Whether that turns out to be a good thing is something worth debating in the future. For now, though, the sophomore wing may need to start unpacking, as it doesn't look like he'll be going anywhere anytime soon.

Adam Taylor

Adam Taylor is a sports journalist based out of the UK. Adam has been covering the NBA for nearly a decade with a core focus on the Boston Celtics. He currently holds bylines with Yardbarker, SB Nation and USA Today

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