Oct 13, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Malcolm Brogdon (5) dribbles against Washington Wizards guard Tre Johnson (12)during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

NBA veteran guard Malcolm Brogdon made a surprising announcement on Wednesday afternoon: He will retire rather than play for the New York Knicks.

This was surprising news for some considering the Knicks still have another preseason game against the Charlotte Hornets on October 17 and he had already played in four preseason games.

He struggled shooting from the court and never scored more than 5 points in any of his preseason appearances with New York.

Stefan Bondy reported that it "dawned on him in camp that some of the desire" and hunger was lost.

"I have proudly given my mind, body, and spirit to the game over the last few decades," said Brogdon. "I am deeply grateful to have arrived to this point on my own terms."

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, while Brogdon was set to make the regular season roster, he had contemplated retirement for the last few weeks. He was projected to serve as a backup point guard on the roster behind Jalen Brunson.

New York can now signing both Landry Shamet and Garison Mathews before the season starts if they move on from one of their young players, or if they keep their roster as it is, they can choose between one of those two.

Malcolm Brogdon contract

Brogdon agreed to a one-year deal with the Knicks earlier this offseason but, per SNY's Ian Begley, the deal was non-guaranteed.

He was on an Exhibit-9 contract that would have paid him the veteran minimum if he played the full season without getting cut or retiring.

A minimum deal for a player with his service time logged of nine years in the NBA would have collected $3.2 million.

Malcolm Brogdon career earnings

Brogdon earned more $132.5 million on the court, not including endorsement deals, during his NBA career.

His biggest contract was a four-year, $85 million as part of a sign-and-trade with the Indiana Pacers and Milwaukee Bucks.

Malcolm Brogdon injury history

Brogdon had various injuries during his NBA career, most recently dealing with ankle and foot injuries.

He also suffered from hamstring, knee, and thumb injuries (that required surgery) last season as well.

The guad missed significant time during 2023-24 with the Portland Trail Blazers due to right elbow tendinitis and 41 games during 2021-22 with the Indiana Pacers due to Achilles pain.

Brogdon also missed extended time in 2017-18 with the Milwaukee Bucks after partially tearing his left quadriceps tendon.

Malcolm Brogdon stats

Brogdon averaged 15.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game during his career.

He shot 38.8 percent on 3-pointers while adding 0.8 steals per game on defense.

During his career, he was named NBA Rookie of the Year and NBA Sixth Man of the Year. He joined the elusive 50-40-90 club in 2018-19 by shooting 50.5 percent from the field, 42.6 percent on 3-pointers, and 92.8 percent at the free-throw line.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Why Malcolm Brogdon suddenly retired so close to the NBA season

Reporting by Bryan Kalbrosky, For The Win / For The Win

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect