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Indiana Pacers Get Purdue Star, Westfield Native Braden Smith in NBA Draft Trade
The former Purdue star broke the NCAA assists record and won the 2025 Bob Cousy Award before the Pacers acquired him, officials said.
- On Wednesday, the Indiana Pacers acquired the 38th pick in the 2026 NBA Draft from the Chicago Bulls and selected Purdue point guard Braden Smith, an Indianapolis native.
- Seeking to bolster roster depth at point guard, the Pacers identified Smith as a local fit; the Westfield native had worked out for Indiana during the pre-draft process.
- A decorated college standout, Smith finished his career with an NCAA-record 1,103 assists while leading the Big Ten in assists twice as a two-time All-American with the Boilermakers.
- To acquire the pick, Indiana sent young guard Kam Jones, cash, and future second-round pick swaps in 2028 and 2030 to Chicago, ending Jones' tenure after 37 games.
- Smith will learn from Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton, whom he called 'family,' as the rookie point guard aims to contribute to a competitive Indiana squad in the East.
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Braden Smith goes to Pacers from Bulls
The Indiana Pacers announced they acquired the rights to Braden Smith, the 38th overall pick in the 2026 NBA draft Wednesday night, from the Chicago Bulls in exchange for guard Kam Jones, two future second-round pick swaps and cash considerations.
·Terre Haute, United States
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Braden Smith, Purdue Star and Westfield Native Traded to Pacers in 2026 NBA Draft
Source: Justin Casterline / Getty Braden Smith, Purdue Star and Westfield Native Traded to Pacers in 2026 NBA Draft A homegrown star is coming home. Braden Smith, the Westfield, Indiana native who built his name at Purdue, is officially headed to the Indiana Pacers after a draft-night trade. The path took a quick turn. The Chicago Bulls selected Smith with the No. 38 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, then shipped him to Indiana in exchange for Kam Jon…
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources22
Leaning Left9Leaning Right1Center6Last UpdatedBias Distribution56% Left
Bias Distribution
- 56% of the sources lean Left
56% Left
L 56%
C 38%
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