The Indiana Pacers swung big at the start of free agency on Sunday by landing point guard Malcolm Brogdon in a blockbuster sign-and-trade deal with the Milwaukee Bucks and immediately signing him to a four-year contract.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Indiana is trading a first-round pick and two future second-round picks to Milwaukee in exchange for the exclusive rights to sign Brogdon.
According to the report, the Pacers will sign Brogdon to a four-year, $85 million deal once the trade becomes official.
It’s a surprising move for a team that was closely connected with free agent guard Ricky Rubio. However, Rubio signed with the Phoenix Suns and the Pacers quickly moved to land Brogdon’s services.
The 26-year-old averaged 15.6 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game during the 2018-’19 season with Milwaukee and played a key role off the bench during the postseason.
He’ll slide into the starting lineup immediately upon his arrival and will take on an even larger role early in the season with Victor Oladipo sidelined.