After repping the Old Gold and Black for the past four years, former star Boilermaker point guard Braden Smith continues to make giant leaps as he officially joins the big leagues.
The Indiana Pacers announced Monday that Smith has been signed to a two-way contract. This contract in particular allows for younger players to split time between an NBA team and the team’s G-League affiliate. This allows for teams within the NBA to carry three extra players in addition to the 15-person roster.
He was the No. 38 overall pick in the 2026 NBA draft and was originally selected by the Chicago Bulls until the Pacers traded for him shortly after.
Senior guard Braden Smith dribbles during a March 28 Elite Eight game against Arizona at SAP Center in San Jose, California. Smith finished with seven assists.
Andrew Coleman | Photo & Video Editor
Smith originally began his basketball career in Westfield, Indiana where he was recognized as Indiana’s Mr. Basketball in 2022. His signing with the Pacers marks the third chapter of his basketball career spent in Indiana.
Smith’s 2026 NBA Summer League performance included five appearances under the Pacers. In those appearances, Smith averaged 6.8 points, 7.2 assists and 4.4 rebounds.
While at Purdue, Smith became the NCAA’s all-time assist leader with 1,103 total assists. He also helped lead the Boilers to an appearance in the 2024 National Championship Game, two Big Ten regular season championships and two Big Ten Tournament Championships.
Smith stands as one of two Boilermakers selected in the 2026 NBA draft followed by former Purdue forward Trey Kaufman-Renn. Kaufman-Renn was selected No. 59 overall to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
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