Malcolm Brogdon Re‑Signs with Indiana Pacers on Two‑Year, $45 Million Deal.
In a significant move that reinforces the Indiana Pacers’ commitment to building a competitive roster around their core talent, veteran guard Malcolm Brogdon has agreed to re-sign with the franchise on a two-year, $45 million contract. The deal, announced Tuesday morning, keeps the 2023 Sixth Man of the Year in Indianapolis through the 2026-27 season and provides both stability and leadership to a young, ascending team.
A Key Piece Returns
Brogdon, 31, returns to the Pacers after spending the 2023-24 season with the Portland Trail Blazers. He was traded to Portland from the Boston Celtics as part of the Jrue Holiday deal last summer. Though he played well in Portland — averaging 15.7 points, 5.5 assists, and 3.8 rebounds in 28.7 minutes per game — the rebuilding Trail Blazers prioritized developing younger guards, making Brogdon’s future with the team uncertain.
Indiana, however, welcomed the opportunity to bring Brogdon back into the fold. The guard played three seasons with the Pacers from 2019 to 2022, averaging 18.9 points, 6.3 assists, and 5.1 rebounds across that stretch. He was a dependable presence on and off the floor and developed strong ties within the organization and community.
“Malcolm’s professionalism, experience, and leadership are a perfect fit for where we are as a team,” Pacers President of Basketball Operations Kevin Pritchard said in a statement. “He knows what it takes to win and has proven he can contribute in multiple roles. We’re thrilled to bring him back to Indiana.”
Stability and Depth
With the Pacers coming off a promising 2024-25 season in which they made it to the Eastern Conference Finals, the front office has made clear its intention to contend in the East. The addition of Brogdon bolsters Indiana’s backcourt depth behind All-Star Tyrese Haliburton and provides head coach Rick Carlisle with another reliable playmaker and perimeter defender.
Brogdon’s ability to play both guard positions makes him a valuable rotational asset, especially as the Pacers continue to navigate injuries and development timelines for younger players like Andrew Nembhard and Ben Sheppard. With the retirement of veteran guard T.J. McConnell and Buddy Hield’s departure in free agency, Indiana had a clear need for experience and shot creation in the second unit.
“Malcolm knows this organization, understands our system, and brings a level of poise and basketball IQ that will help both on the court and in the locker room,” Carlisle said. “His versatility is going to be key for us, especially in late-game situations.”
A New Chapter in a Familiar Place
For Brogdon, the return to Indiana represents more than just basketball. After injuries limited his playoff availability with the Celtics in 2023, he’s made it clear that team culture, trust, and long-term stability are priorities.
“I’ve always had great respect for the Pacers organization, and my time here a few years ago was incredibly meaningful,” Brogdon said during a media call Tuesday afternoon. “To come back at this point in my career, when I can be a mentor but also still contribute at a high level, just feels right.”
Sources indicate the two-year, $45 million agreement includes a player option in the second year, allowing Brogdon flexibility depending on how his role and health evolve. The deal is fully guaranteed and positions Brogdon as one of the highest-paid sixth men in the NBA, a testament to his value across the league.
Off-Court Impact
Off the court, Brogdon has long been recognized for his leadership and community involvement. A co-founder of the “Players’ Coalition” and an active participant in global humanitarian initiatives, Brogdon’s influence extends well beyond basketball. The Pacers have emphasized his presence as a cultural anchor for a young locker room.
Team officials also noted Brogdon’s willingness to embrace a non-starting role — a transition many former starters struggle with — as a key factor in the team’s interest. His performance with the Celtics as the Sixth Man of the Year showed he can thrive off the bench while still closing games and taking on important minutes during crunch time.
What This Means for Indiana
Re-signing Brogdon signals that Indiana is fully leaning into its competitive window. With Haliburton entering his prime, Pascal Siakam recently signing a four-year max extension, and young talent like Bennedict Mathurin continuing to develop, the Pacers are positioning themselves as a top-tier threat in the Eastern Conference.
Brogdon’s return helps balance the team’s offensive and defensive capabilities, while also offering a contingency plan should Haliburton miss time or face double teams during playoff stretches. His high basketball IQ, efficient shooting, and calm under pressure make him an ideal fit for Carlisle’s system.
While the Pacers still have room under the luxury tax to explore additional signings or trades, the Brogdon deal answers one of the team’s key offseason questions: veteran leadership and bench scoring.
Final Thoughts
In a league increasingly driven by star pairings and short-term contracts, Brogdon’s return to Indiana is a story of fit, familiarity, and mutual respect. As the Pacers gear up for what they hope will be a deep playoff run, having a steady hand like Brogdon in the mix could prove crucial.
With training camp just over two months away, Indiana’s backcourt rotation is taking shap.
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