Tony Bradley is back on the free agent market after his second 10-day contract with the Pacers expired Wednesday night, but there’s a chance he could return to the team later this season, writes Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star. Indiana’s only option would be to sign Bradley to a standard contract, and coach Rick Carlisle told reporters before tonight’s game that a decision likely won’t be made until after the trade deadline.
“There is a chance he could be back for us,” Carlisle said. “For obvious reasons right now, I think flexibility is something that’s important. We’ll see what shakes out.”
It has already been an eventful season for Bradley, who won a roster spot on a non-guaranteed contract, but was waived January 5 before his $2,940,876 salary became fully guaranteed. He was re-signed to a 10-day deal three days later, then received another 10-day contract on January 19.
In total, Bradley has appeared in 38 games this season, making three starts and averaging 4.0 points and 2.8 rebounds in 10.9 minutes per night. Carlisle has been impressed by Bradley’s play, especially under the unusual circumstances.
“He’s been terrific,” Carlisle said. “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.”
There’s more from Indiana:
- Carlisle also provided a medical update on Obi Toppin, who has been sidelined since undergoing surgery in November for a stress fracture in his left foot, Dopirak states in a separate story. Toppin has been able to do some on-court work recently, but Carlisle cautioned that he’s not close to playing again. “I believe he’s ahead of schedule technically,” Carlisle said. “He’s back on the court doing things as you guys have seen, but it will be a while. It will be a little longer.”
- Johnny Furphy was used for the final defensive possession in Wednesday’s win over Chicago because he’s earned the trust of the coaching staff with his play on that end of the court, Dopirak adds in another piece. Furphy has started 16 of the team’s last 17 games and is making a strong case to keep his rotation role past this season. “He’s a tough-minded kid that has a good feel for having friction without committing fouls. That’s what we want,” Carlisle said. “… He’s tough-minded, he’s physically tough, he’s put on a lot of strength and he’s made a lot of improvements in a lot of areas. The opportunity that he’s getting is important.”
- With an open roster spot and a cushion of about $5.5MM below the luxury tax line, the Pacers plan to explore opportunities to facilitate trades ahead of Thursday’s deadline, sources tell Tony East of Circle City Spin. East notes that the team can also use the remaining portion of its non-taxpayer mid-level exception and a Disabled Player Exception granted for Tyrese Haliburton‘s injury to take on salary.