The NBA free agency period is almost upon the league. On June 30th, teams from around the league will be contacting non-contracted players in hopes of securing a deal once those players become eligible to sign on July 6th. While some teams have multiple, the Washington Wizards only have two unrestricted free agents. One, Khris Middleton, is on a player-option. The other, Malcolm Brogdon, who will enter free agency and be completely free to talk and engage with any team once those conversations can start taking place. According to one source, one team interested in Brogdon is the Dallas Mavericks.
Malcolm Brogdon “On The List” of Mavericks’ Potential Targets
There hasn’t been much on Washington’s end about Brogdon. No rumors or reports about the Wizards wanting to re-sign him. In turn, that would clear the way for every team to engage in conversation. However, what would a team be getting itself into?
For Brogdon, this move could help him rebuild his value in the NBA. Over the past few seasons, Brogdon’s value has dropped in the past two seasons, with injuries and declining numbers to blame. However, with the change in scenery, Brogdon would be thrust into the rotation. Possibly getting more playing time and more opportunities with the ball.
In an interview with SNY, NBA Insider Ian Begley shared his information about Brogdon and the Mavericks.
“I do know he’s [Brogdon] on Dallas’ list. Dallas obviously needing a point guard with Kyrie Irving rehabbing from surgery. I don’t know if he’s at the top of Dallas’ list or somewheree in the middle, but he is there.”
Brogdon would certainly see an expanded role in Dallas; however, the Mavericks have an overabundance at the guard positions. With Brogdon, there would be seven guards competing for playing time if they were to bring everyone back. It’s important to note that Spencer Dinwiddie and Dante Exum are on expiring contracts, and they will be free agents.
Brogdon last season averaged 12.7 points, the lowest since his rookie season, 4.1 assists, and 3.8 rebounds in 24 games with the Wizards. He also shot career-lows from the field (43.3%) and from three (28.6%) this past season. If Dallas takes their chances on Brogdon, he’ll play some good minutes, but if there is no sign of improvement from those totals, expect his minutes to drop quickly.
Brogdon’s Fit with the Mavericks
Dallas is in desperate need of a point guard. With injuries and expiring contracts, Begley also had this to say about the Mavericks’ free agency.
“The Mavs are going to dictate a lot of that point guard movement.”
While the declining numbers are one thing, Dallas would need to watch out for a much bigger problem: injuries. Irving will be out for a substantial amount of next season. Along with this, Anthony Davis is one of the most injury-prone players in the league. Why risk more money for another player who has been riddled with injuries?
Brogdon has only played 60+ games in three seasons since he’s been in the league. The last two seasons, he’s played a combined total of only 53 games. Just this season alone, Brogdon got injured five times. He had thumb surgery, a hamstring injury, two foot injuries, and was out with an ankle injury to end the season.
When Brogdon is on the court, he can certainly be effective. However, if the Mavericks are serious about maximizing their championship window after the Luka Doncic trade, Brogdon is not the answer. He would be a useful player for sure, but injury concerns alone should throw up some immediate red flags.
The Last Word
If the Wizards are looking to resign Malcolm Brogdon before free agency, they need to have a decent offer, as Brogdon’s market will no doubt grow once the free agency period begins. For Dallas, this move should be met with extreme skepticism. Why take your chances on an injury-prone and declining guard? Instead, Dallas should look to bring in another younger piece. With the expected addition of Cooper Flagg, along with the young talents of Dereck Lively II and Max Christie, why not try to add another piece to your young core?
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