NBA Trades: Tony Bradley’s Future with the Pacers Hangs in the Balance

By Arthur Hill | January 31, 2026

The Indiana Pacers are at a crossroads regarding center Tony Bradley, whose second 10-day contract expired Wednesday night. While his immediate future remains uncertain, a potential return to the team later this season isn’t off the table, according to Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star. However, any continuation of Bradley’s tenure with the Pacers would require signing him to a standard contract.

Waiting for the Trade Deadline

Head coach Rick Carlisle indicated that a decision regarding Bradley won’t likely be made until after the NBA trade deadline. “There is a chance he could be back for us,” Carlisle stated to reporters before tonight’s game. “For obvious reasons right now, I think flexibility is something that’s important. We’ll see what shakes out.” This suggests the Pacers are prioritizing maintaining roster flexibility as they navigate the potential for NBA trades.

A Rollercoaster Season for Tony Bradley

Bradley’s season has been anything but straightforward. He initially secured a roster spot on a non-guaranteed contract, only to be waived on January 5th before his $2,940,876 salary became fully guaranteed. A quick turnaround saw him re-signed to a 10-day deal just three days later, followed by a second 10-day contract on January 19th.

Throughout this period, Bradley has appeared in 38 games this season, earning three starts and averaging 4.0 points and 2.8 rebounds in 10.9 minutes per game. His ability to contribute despite the constant uncertainty has been noteworthy.

Carlisle Praises Bradley’s Impact

Coach Carlisle has been consistently impressed with Bradley’s performance, particularly given the unusual circumstances. “He’s been terrific,” Carlisle remarked. “He really has. I’d have to think this opportunity has resurrected his career. He’s a very good rebounder, defender, passer, plays within the system really well.” This positive assessment could weigh heavily in the Pacers’ decision-making process.

The Bigger Picture: NBA Trade Deadline

The Pacers, like many teams around the league, are likely evaluating potential NBA trades to improve their roster for a playoff push. The trade deadline often creates a flurry of activity, and teams must balance their current needs with future considerations. Bradley’s situation is just one piece of the puzzle as the Pacers assess their options. For more information on the latest NBA trades and rumors, check out ESPN’s Trade Machine.

The coming days will be crucial for both Tony Bradley and the Indiana Pacers as they navigate the complexities of the NBA trade landscape.