Malachi Smith Earns Multi-Year Contract with the Brooklyn Nets
Brooklyn, NY – April 4, 2026 – In a testament to perseverance and hard work, Malachi Smith has officially signed a two-year contract with the Brooklyn Nets, as confirmed by NBA.com’s transaction log. This deal secures Smith’s place with the team for the remainder of the 2025/26 season and extends through the 2026/27 campaign.
From 10-Day Deals to a Secured Future
Smith’s path to the NBA wasn’t conventional. After going undrafted out of Gonzaga in 2023, he honed his skills in the G League with teams like the Rip City Remix, Wisconsin Herd, and Memphis Hustle. Most of this season was spent with the Long Island Nets, Brooklyn’s G League affiliate, before earning a 10-day contract with the parent club in March. He quickly made an impact, leading to a second 10-day contract.
As reported by Shams Charania of ESPN (ESPN), the Nets recognized Smith’s potential and offered him a multi-year deal. While the financial details haven’t been fully disclosed, it’s unlikely the contract includes guaranteed money for the 2026/27 season.
Impressive Performance Off the Bench
In his first 10 NBA games, Smith has proven to be a valuable contributor off the bench. Averaging 7.3 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in 18.2 minutes per game, he’s demonstrated a remarkable shooting efficiency of .527 from the field, .545 from three-point range, and a perfect 1.000 from the free-throw line. He’s converted 29 of 55 shots overall, including 12 of 22 from beyond the arc.
A Mentality of Relentless Effort
Smith’s dedication is evident in his approach to the game. After scoring 15 points against the Atlanta Hawks on Friday, he shared his mindset (YES Network via Facebook): “The mentality is leave it all on the floor. I’m someone that has been praying for this opportunity and working for this opportunity for years, so I’m not going to take any minute for granted. I always tell myself, I don’t care if I get one minute or 10 minutes. I’m going to be able to go to sleep at night knowing I played as hard as I can, and whatever happens after that, I can live with the results.”
Navigating Roster Constraints
The Nets currently have 15 players under standard contracts, but the situation is manageable. Tre Scott is on a hardship 10-day deal, allowing Brooklyn to sign Smith without needing to waive another player.
Financial Breakdown
Smith previously earned a $42,650 partial guarantee from his training camp contract and $73,153 for each of his two 10-day contracts. If he signs a minimum-salary contract on Saturday, he’ll earn an additional $65,838 for the remainder of the season, bringing his total NBA earnings this season to $254,794. This figure could slightly decrease to $247,479 if the signing is delayed until Sunday, or potentially increase if the Nets utilize their available cap space to offer a higher salary.
Malachi Smith’s story is a powerful reminder that dedication and opportunity can lead to success, even in the highly competitive world of the NBA.
