The Indiana Pacers have confirmed they will sign forward Kobe Brown to a one-year two-way contract for the 2026-27 season. Brown joined the Pacers late in the 2025-26 season after being traded from the Los Angeles Clippers as part of the Ivica Zubac deal. With less than four years of NBA service, Brown is eligible for a two-way deal, which will pay him approximately $675,000 and carry no salary cap impact for the Pacers. This agreement allows Indiana to retain his Bird Rights going into next season, providing roster and financial flexibility.

Brown, a 2023 first-round draft pick, showed considerable improvement in Indiana, averaging 9.4 points and 4.9 rebounds per game, a jump from his earlier production with the Clippers. His playing style meshes well with the Pacers’ up-tempo offense, which values constant ball movement. Despite being somewhat older than typical two-way players at 27, Brown’s rebounding skills and adaptability give the Pacers a reliable depth option between the NBA team and their G League affiliate, the Noblesville Boom.

The two-way contract makes it easier for Brown to split time between the Pacers and the Boom, giving him a valuable chance for development while remaining available for NBA minutes when necessary. The Pacers can carry three two-way players under league rules, and with Brown’s signing, they join Taelon Peter and Ethan Thompson on those deals. Indiana is also considering adding rookie Braden Smith to a two-way contract and holds a qualifying offer out to wing Jalen Slawson.

Currently, the Pacers have 19 players under contract or in discussions for the offseason roster, nearing the maximum allowed before the season starts. Brown’s return provides a known quantity who understands the team’s system, aiding Indiana’s efforts to stay competitive in 2026-27. The Pacers are shaping their roster carefully through these two-way deals, balancing experience and upside as they prepare for the upcoming campaign.