Braden Smith is headed down I-65 from Purdue to Indianapolis as the Indiana Pacers acquired the local point guard via an immediate trade with the Chicago Bulls. This is the most ideal situation for a player who has been at the forefront of basketball in Indiana for over five years as Tyrese Haliburton recovers from a major injury that forced him to miss all of the 2025-2026 season. Smith will likely eventually replace veteran TJ McConnell as the guard for the second unit.
Indiana’s style of play lends itself wonderfully for Smith as he will not be asked to do anything other than what he is very good at already. The Pacers have shooters surrounding lead guard Tyrese Haliburton already and Smith will benefit from that established culture and style of play.
More from Hammer and Rails on the other three Boilers who are waiting for where their NBA destination will lead.
