The Toronto Raptors final two-way spot has been filled.
The Raptors have reportedly signed former Brooklyn Nets guard Malachi Smith to a two-way contract, according to a report from Mike Scotto.
The news comes just moments after the Raptors announced that they converted Jaden Bradley’s two-way contract into a standard multi-year deal. Many expected there to be an Exhibit-10 camp battle for the final spot, but the Raptors had other plans in mind as they quickly replaced the spot with Smith.
The Raptors three two-way contracts have now been filled, with Chucky Hepurn and Trey Jemison having previously signed deals.
Smith averaged 8.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in 23.9 minutes over 15 games with the Brooklyn Nets last season, shooting 48.5% from the field and 43.5% from three-point range. The 6-foot-4 guard’s best game last season came against the Milwaukee Bucks on April 10, when he scored 19 points, recorded 10 assists, and eight rebounds, a near triple-double.
The Belleville, Illinois native played in 29 regular season games with Long Island in the NBA G-League last year, averaging 16.0 points, 7.0 asissts, 5.1 rebounds, 1.7 steals and 30.8 minutes per game. He shot 41.6% from three.
The 26-year-old went undrafted in the 2023 NBA draft after playing collegiately at Gonzaga, Chattanooga and Wright State. Following the draft, Smith played two seasons in the NBA G-League with Rip City, Wisconsin, and Memphis.
The moves comes somewhat as a surprise, as there was speculation that the Raptors may look at signing Nate Bittle to a two-way contract, given his strong performance in the Summer League and the Raptors need for depth at the center position.
The Raptors still have one standard roster spot remaining, but are under no obligation to fill it, and may keep it open to convert a two-way contract at some point throughout the season, or just before the playoffs as they did with A.J. Lawson last season to ensure his playoff eligibility.
Smith does fill another Raptors need with his shooting, but will be hard pressed to find minutes behind Ja’Kobe Walter, Jamison Battle, and Alijah Martin.
The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
