Braden Smith Predicted to Join $197 Million Star on NBA Title Contender

There are two and a half months to go before this summer's NBA draft, which means there will be lots of idle time for college basketball fans to speculate where certain headline-making prospects could be playing during the 2025-26 season.

Braden Smith of the Purdue Boilermakers is considered one of the better guards in the nation. He averaged 15.8 points, 8.7 assists, 4.5 rebounds and 2.2 steals a game while hitting 38.1% from 3-point range this season, and he helped Purdue reach the Sweet 16 of the men's NCAA Tournament.

In a recent NBA mock draft by ESPN, the Cleveland Cavaliers are predicted to take Smith in the second round with the No. 58 overall pick. That would pair him up with Darius Garland, their All-Star point guard who is on a $197 million contract, as well as fellow All-Star backcourt player Donovan Mitchell.

Smith would be an interesting addition to a Cavs team that, as recently constituted, could end up winning the NBA championship this June. He was the Big Ten Player of the Year award this season, and while he isn't very athletic, he has great passing skills and court vision, and he's considered a fine outside shooter.