Malcolm Brogdon spurned other suitors for ‘real shot’ at title with Knicks

Malcolm Brogdon said he had numerous other opportunities in free agency before signing a non-guaranteed deal to join the Knicks this offseason. 

Despite the lack of certainty, the point guard said the move to the Garden was an easy one after a tough past season with Washington. 

“Going into my 10th year, I wanted to be in a good organization that’s competing and trying to win a championship,” Brogdon said after practice on Sunday. “I had that in Milwaukee, and in Boston, I really had that. Here, there’s a real shot.” 

And among the main reasons that’s the case, as the Knicks look to build on a season in which they made the Eastern Conference finals, is the player Brogdon is expected to back up: Jalen Brunson. 

“Anything that can take pressure off Jalen is the big goal going forward with this team,’’ Brogdon said. “That’s what I want to do this year: Take pressure off him on both sides of the ball — and everybody else.’’ 

Brogdon comes to the Knicks having been limited to 24 games last season with the Wizards, due in part to a left ankle injury. He also made a career-worst 29 percent of his 3-pointers with lowly Washington. 

And he played in just 39 games the previous season with Portland following his lone season with the Celtics, when Brogdon was named the league’s Sixth Man of the Year. 

He’ll turn 33 in December, so the Knicks hope he can stay healthy and get to his earlier production. 

“The last three years I’ve had three different systems, different playing styles and different coaches,” Brogdon said. “I do think that gives me an edge on other new guys coming here, being able to adjust fast. I think that’s what this league is all about: Who can adjust fastest.” 

Knicks coach Mike Brown praised Brogdon’s “steadiness.” 

“Especially with us throwing a lot of new stuff at the group, he takes it in stride,’’ Brown said. “He’s good on both sides of the ball. You feel his veteran presence, especially as a guy who’s been in a lot of different situations.” 

Despite not having a guaranteed deal, Brogdon clearly didn’t join the Knicks without a strong belief he’d end up on the roster. That confidence remains in training camp. 

“I come here with the expectation to make the team,’’ Brogdon said. “I feel like what I bring to the table, everything I have to offer, can help this team get over the hump this coming year. The decision is out of my control. I know I can help this team.” 

As The Post’s Stefan Bondy reported, the presence of Brogdon, along with Landry Shamet and Garrison Mathews — also on nonguaranteed contracts — coupled with the Knicks being hard-capped at the second apron, means the team can keep just one veteran without a trade to create space. 

Brogdon said Sunday he was in “talks for a while” with the Knicks before he signed. 

“I was really set on being on the Knicks,” Brogdon said. “It’s a privilege to put this jersey on and compete with this team, especially with where they are and the year they came off of. I didn’t want to be anywhere else.” 

And he believes his ability to do a lot of things on the court will earn him a spot. 

“This is a roster that in the past has been in need of more ball handlers and more creators, more versatile players that can handle the ball,’’ Brogdon said. “I think I bring that. I can help guard. I’m a Swiss Army knife in a lot of ways and have a lot of strengths.” 

For now, he’s been facing up against Brunson during camp and is looking forward to working with him once the season starts. 

“He’s an excellent player,’’ Brogdon said. “A superstar in this league.” 

The Knicks left for Abu Dhabi Sunday afternoon and Brown said they would keep the players’ schedules in mind as they prepare for the team’s first two preseason games against the 76ers on Thursday and Saturday at Etihad Arena on Yas Island following the long flight. 

“One thing we may try to do is when we land, we don’t want guys going to sleep,’’ Brown said following Sunday’s practice. “We’ll go to the hotel, hang out a little bit and then we’re gonna strategically practice at a certain time to keep their bodies right.” 

The Knicks are scheduled to land around 3 p.m. in Abu Dhabi, which is eight hours ahead of New York, then have a light practice. 

“We want to make sure they stay up,’’ Brown said. 

Brown said he’s had experience going with NBA teams to China with both LeBron James’ Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors with Steph Curry and Klay Thompson.