Braden Smith, the Purdue point guard who rewrote the NCAA record books, is headed to the Indiana Pacers after a draft‑day trade that sent him from the Chicago Bulls to the Pacers in exchange for guard Kam Jones, future pick swaps and cash.
A Record‑Breaking College Career
Over four seasons at Purdue, Smith amassed 1,103 assists, surpassing Bobby Hurley’s long‑standing mark, and helped the Boilermakers snap a 44‑year Final Four drought. He earned the 2025 Bob Cousy Award, was named Big Ten Player of the Year, and finished eighth in school history with 1,932 points while ranking third in steals.
Draft Night and the Trade
The Chicago Bulls selected Smith with the 38th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, but the franchise quickly flipped him to Indiana, packaging the selection with cash and future assets to acquire the playmaker who can both stretch the floor with his mid‑range game and lock down elite guards.
Style, Defense and the Road Ahead
Standing 5‑foot‑10½, Smith is known for a silky midrange jumper and an unblockable fadeaway, while his defensive versatility was on display at the NBA Draft Combine, where he matched up against top perimeter players. Pacers coach Rick Carlisle has praised his competitive fire and willingness to do the dirty work, traits that could revitalize a young Indiana roster.
Indiana’s front office sees Smith as a catalyst for a faster, more cerebral offense, pairing his playmaking with the scoring punch of emerging stars. The move signals the Pacers’ intent to blend youthful talent with seasoned leadership as they aim to return to the upper echelon of the Eastern Conference.