Indiana Pacers extend Malcolm Brogdon, silence speculation of a trade

It was announced on Monday afternoon that Malcolm Brogdon has agreed to a two-year extension with the Indiana Pacers. The deal will keep the point guard in Indiana for the next four seasons, keeping him with other members of the rotation beyond the upcoming season.

This extension comes just days after more speculation that the Pacers would construct a trade for disgruntled 76ers star Ben Simmons, which likely would have involved Brogdon. It ensures that the team plans to build around the guard while also giving him a hefty paycheck that will see him earn over $89 million over the four years.

Indiana Pacers extend Malcolm Brogdon’s contract for two more seasons

The timing of this news is perfect for fans. Indiana is on the cusp of a new season with rumors circulating about a potential blockbuster trade over the past couple of months. While those are put to rest, it should be noted that the Pacers should not be content with their roster right now after injuries have already decimated the rotation.

When healthy, Brogdon has been sensational for the Indiana Pacers. He was a massive free-agent acquisition two summers ago in a sign-and-trade with Milwaukee and the Pacers have to be pleased with his performance so far.

In two seasons with the Pacers, Brogdon is doing everything you can ask for out of the point guard position. He has averaged 18.9 points, 6.5 assists, and 5.1 rebounds over those two seasons while shooting the ball well at all three levels.

Last season, Brogdon scored a career-high 21.2 points and shot 38.8 percent from beyond the arc. His ability to score as the primary ball-handler has been a much-needed boost for the Pacers’ offense. The only downside of Brogdon up to this point has been his string of injuries that seem to come at the worst times.

If he can be on the floor more often than not, this is a good value for the Pacers. He certainly earned his extension on and off the floor for this team and the Pacers made the right move by sticking with him as the starting point guard.

A trade is not out of the question for the future but it should be cleared for the time being. Simmons in place of Brogdon would change a lot for the Pacers on both ends of the floor and I would argue that it would benefit Indiana a tad but maybe not enough to justify selling Brogdon and other assets right now.

Brogdon joins T.J. McConnell, Chris Duarte, and Isaiah Jackson who are all signed through 2025. Domantas Sabonis, Caris LeVert, and Myles Turner are just a few of the names signed through the 2022-23 season, giving the Pacers at least two more seasons with their core.

Hopefully, Rick Carlisle will have what it takes to get the most out of his lineup. Indiana is a very good team on paper but has not had success over the past number of seasons. The extension of Malcolm Brogdon, as well as some other moves this summer, signify that the Pacers believe they can win right now.

Now it is time to put that to the test as they are set to begin the NBA season on Wednesday night against the Charlotte Hornets. Brogdon has already been struggling with a shoulder injury in the preseason but should be ready to go for the season opener.