The Indiana Pacers have officially signed former Purdue standout Braden Smith to a two-way contract. The 38th pick in the recent NBA draft, Smith was a three-time All-Big Ten player and averaged 14.3 points and 8.8 assists during his final college season. The Pacers secured his draft rights through a trade with the Chicago Bulls, and after some offseason roster adjustments, they have finalized Smith's contract following the waiver of another player. The roster is now set, with 14 standard contract players and three on two-way deals.

By the Numbers
  • Braden Smith averaged 14.3 points, 8.8 assists, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.7 steals in 39 games during his senior season.
  • Purdue Sharpshooter finished with a shooting line of .440 FG%, .362 3PT%, and .825 FT%.
Yes, But

While Smith had a stellar college career, his performance in the Summer League raised concerns, as he shot only 26.5% from the field. The Pacers will need to develop him into a key contributor despite this early struggle.

State of Play
  • The Pacers have finalized their roster with 14 players on standard contracts and three on two-way deals.
  • Smith is one of just eight players from the 2026 draft class still waiting to sign contracts.
What's Next

As the season approaches, Smith will look to further develop his skills and secure a role in the Pacers' rotation. His performance in training camp will be crucial for his integration into the team.

Bottom Line

Braden Smith's signing on a two-way contract represents a strategic move for the Pacers to bolster their roster with a promising playmaker. His development will be essential as Indiana seeks to enhance its competitive edge in the upcoming season.