Big Trade Piece Off The Market, As Pacers Hand Out Extension

There's been some talk that the Indiana Pacers could be a team that's able to put together a viable trade package for disgruntled Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons. But today's two-year extension handed to guard Malcolm Brogdon puts a serious dent in that possibility. 

Malcolm Brogdon has agreed to a two-year, $45 million extension with the Pacers, per @wojespn 💰 pic.twitter.com/sdsdJ0K6DX

— Yahoo Sports NBA (@YahooSportsNBA) October 18, 2021

The two-year, $45 million extension brings Brogdon's Indiana commitment to a total of 4 years and $89.3 million. And according to NBA insider Bobby Marks, that four-year total means that Brogdon is not allowed to be traded this season. 

The Pacers had been noted recently as a "sleeper team" in the Simmons trade sweepstakes, and the Sixers, in fact, were rumored to have inquired about Brogdon in trade talks. All of that can be put to rest after today's news. 

Brogdon signed as a free agent with the Pacers in 2019, and had a career year this past season, posting personal highs of 21.2 points per game and 5 rebounds, along with 5.9 assists. 

The 28-year-old is entering his 6th NBA season, and will be one of the leaders of Indiana's planned renaissance under new (and returning) head coach Rick Carlisle. 

A little-talked-about deadline approaches at midnight on Monday, according to Adrian Wojnarowski, for extension-eligible players with two years left on their current deal. 

Photo Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports