Return to the Pacers
Tony Bradley has rejoined the Indiana Pacers on a short-term contract following the team’s recent narrow win. The veteran center has inked a second 10-day deal, set to run through a game against the Brooklyn Nets on March 22. This period covers five games, with the team holding the option to secure him on a longer-term contract later in the season if desired.
Contract Details
Under the new agreement, Bradley will earn $150,179 during this stint. Combined with his previous short-term contract, his total compensation amounts to $300,358 over 20 days of service. The signing also carries a cap hit of $119,972, reflecting the financial commitment the team is willing to make as they shape their roster for the remainder of the season.
Athletic Journey
Standing 6-foot-10 and originally selected as the 28th overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft out of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Bradley has traversed a diverse career. He began his NBA journey with his initial three seasons at the Utah Jazz before moving between franchises. His stints include time with the Detroit Pistons and the Philadelphia 76ers, as well as a period split between the 76ers and the Oklahoma City Thunder. More recently, he backed up leading players in the Chicago Bulls organization before finding himself outside a regular NBA lineup.
G League Experience and Recent Form
After a challenging period without an NBA contract in 2023-24, Bradley spent last season in the G League with the Dallas Mavericks’ affiliate and started this season with the College Park Skyhawks, the affiliate of the Atlanta Hawks. In 12 games, with nine starts, he averaged 16.8 points on nearly 70 percent shooting from the field, 12 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.3 blocks, and 0.7 steals per game. His performance in the G League underscored a significant rebound, providing him with the opportunity to work his way back to an NBA roster.
Role and Expectations with the Pacers
Bradley’s return comes as he looks to build momentum after his time in the G League. With limited minutes so far this season—averaging 1.5 points and one rebound over just 2.3 minutes per game—this new contract offers him a chance to demonstrate his capabilities in a more meaningful role. The Pacers are likely to evaluate his performance over the next few games, using his contributions to inform any potential commitment for the remainder of the season.
Tony Bradley’s journey depicts a narrative of resilience and the continuous pursuit of opportunity in professional basketball, as he aims to turn recent struggles into a season-long comeback.
