Overview
- Indiana acquired the draft rights to Braden Smith in a transaction that sent guard Kam Jones, cash, and future second-round pick swaps to Chicago.
- The Pacers have signed Smith to a two-way contract, a move that keeps him in the organization while not immediately using a full guaranteed roster slot.
- A two-way deal for Smith would clear guaranteed payroll and a 15-man roster spot, giving the front office space to sign another player or pursue a bigger trade.
- Smith is a Westfield native and Purdue alumnus who finished his college career as a high-assist point guard, and Pacers GM Chad Buchanan praised his competitiveness and court vision.
- The move preserves Indiana’s core with Tyrese Haliburton healthy and Ivica Zubac at center while leaving room to target a 3-and-D wing like Trey Murphy III, which reporters describe as an active but unconfirmed pursuit.