This Team Made A Move That Could Stop Their Potential Pursuit Of A Trade For Ben Simmons

The Indiana Pacers gave Malcolm Brogdon an extension on Monday, and according to ESPN's Bobby Marks, Brogdon cannot be traded this season. He would have likely been a piece in a trade with the Philadelphia 76ers for Ben Simmons

The Indiana Pacers agreed to a contract extension with point guard Malcolm Brogdon on Monday. 

OFFICIAL: We have signed Malcolm Brogdon to a multi-year contract extension.

— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) October 18, 2021

According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski (see Tweet below), the deal is for two-years $45 million, which will be added to his deal that already has two years remaining. 

Therefore, he is locked up for four seasons now. 

Indiana Pacers guard Malcolm Brogdon has agreed to an additional two-year, $45 million extension – guaranteeing him $89.3 million over the next four years, his agent Austin Brown of CAA Sports tells ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 18, 2021

ESPN's Bobby Marks shared a very fascinating detail about the extension (see Tweet below). 

Because the contract is for a total of four seasons (the current contract and extension), Brogdon is not allowed to be traded this season. https://t.co/8LF6GoFIUP

— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) October 18, 2021

Marks notes that Brogdon cannot be traded this season. 

Therefore, the Pacers, who had been mentioned by many as a possible team to acquire Ben Simmons from the Philadelphia 76ers are likely out of that sweepstakes now.

Anything is possible in the NBA, but Brogdon would have been a key piece in any trade, because of his large salary and the fact that he shot over 38% from three-point range while averaging a career-high 21.2 points per game last season. 

On October 2, Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer (see Tweet below and read article here), mentioned the Pacers as one of the six teams interested in the three-time All-Star. 

A league source said the Timberwolves, Pacers, Cavaliers, Pistons, Raptors and Spurs are still inquiring about Ben Simmons’ availability.

Simmons vs. Sixers: An inside look at a messy NBA divorce https://t.co/pF1YNcWHBK via @phillyinquirer

— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) October 2, 2021

While a deal still could get done centered around someone like Caris LeVert, it remains much less likely with Brogdon unable to be moved. 

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