Pacers Let Tony Bradley's 10-Day Contract Expire

The veteran center was not re-signed as the team focuses on trade deadline flexibility.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 11:55pm

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The Indiana Pacers decided not to re-sign center Tony Bradley after his 10-day contract expired on January 28th. The team cited improved health at the center position, limited playing time available, and a desire to maintain financial flexibility ahead of the upcoming NBA trade deadline as reasons for letting Bradley's deal lapse without a new contract.

Why it matters

The Pacers are in rebuilding mode with a 12-36 record, so maximizing their options and resources for potential trades is a priority. Retaining Bradley on a guaranteed contract would have limited their ability to take on additional salary in a trade without crossing the luxury tax threshold.

The details

Bradley, an eight-year NBA veteran, signed two 10-day contracts with the Pacers in January. He saw limited playing time, logging just six minutes across the team's last four games. With Isaiah Jackson returning from a concussion and the Pacers often playing without a traditional center, there was little court time available for Bradley. The team also wanted to preserve their salary cap flexibility ahead of the trade deadline, as re-signing Bradley would have cost them at least $977,000 against the cap.

  • Bradley's 10-day contract expired on January 28, 2026.
  • The Pacers hosted the Chicago Bulls on January 29, 2026, the night after Bradley's deal ended.

The players

Tony Bradley

An eight-year NBA veteran center who was on a pair of 10-day contracts with the Indiana Pacers in January 2026.

Isaiah Jackson

A Pacers center who returned from a concussion earlier in January 2026, taking on a larger role in the team's rotation.

Rick Carlisle

The head coach of the Indiana Pacers.

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What they’re saying

“While Bradley was adequate in his minutes this season, averaging 4.0 points and 2.8 rebounds per game, signing him right now doesn't make sense for the Pacers. Having more trade options is more significant for a team looking for long-term value.”

— Tony East, Forbes Contributor (Forbes)

What’s next

If the Pacers trade away any of their centers before the deadline, they could potentially bring Bradley back later in the season.

The takeaway

The Pacers' decision not to re-sign Tony Bradley reflects their focus on maintaining financial flexibility and trade options as they look to the future, even if it means parting ways with a veteran presence who could have provided depth at center.