As the 2026 NBA offseason winds down, the Indiana Pacers face a strategic decision about whether to fill the 15th roster spot on their team. Currently, the Pacers have 14 players signed to fully guaranteed contracts, totaling roughly $206.8 million in team salary and incentives. With the team hard-capped at the first salary cap apron of $209.015 million after signing Kelly Oubre, they only have about $2.23 million of salary space remaining. This limits their ability to add a veteran player on the minimum contract, which carries a cap hit of $2.45 million, pushing the Pacers to consider alternatives including younger or less experienced players.

One key player in this roster puzzle is Braden Smith, the Pacers’ 38th overall pick from the 2026 NBA Draft, who remains unsigned with a reported two-way contract agreement. Smith’s minimum salary would be around $1.27 million due to his lack of NBA service time, allowing the Pacers to theoretically fit him under the cap. However, the team already has three two-way contracts filled, including Ethan Thompson, a 27-year-old guard on a two-year, two-way deal since November 2025, leaving no available two-way spots for Smith.

The Pacers’ front office is weighing whether to keep all existing two-way players or waive one, potentially Thompson, to sign Smith to a two-way deal. Thompson has been effective, averaging 26.9 points per game in the G League last season and contributing in 32 NBA games. Waiving a two-way player is a low-risk move financially, but it means losing a valuable contributor. On the other hand, signing Smith to a standard contract would reduce their salary cap flexibility and increase luxury tax obligations, complicating roster management in the context of a tight cap situation.

General Manager Chad Buchanan acknowledged the ongoing deliberations, emphasizing that the team is exploring different avenues for the 15th roster spot and the best way to maximize their players’ contributions under the cap constraints. The Pacers have room to add players with zero or one year of NBA service, but they must navigate internal priorities and financial rules carefully before finalizing their roster for the upcoming season. The resolution on Smith's status and the 15th roster spot will be key to how Indiana shapes its bench and depth moving forward.