Pacers waive veteran center Tony Bradley

The Pacers have waived center Tony Bradley, the team announced, with NBA insider Jake Fischer first reporting the move.

Bradley appeared in 29 games for Indiana this season, averaging 3.9 points and 2.6 rebounds in just over 10 minutes per night. His minimum contract was non-guaranteed, and the Pacers had a Wednesday deadline to decide whether to lock it in for 2025-26.

Instead, Indiana will carry $1,355,225 in dead money, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, with Bradley’s full salary slated at $2.94 million.

Assuming he clears waivers, Bradley will become an unrestricted free agent in the coming days. As Tony East noted, the Pacers could still circle back and re-sign him later on a 10-day deal if the need arises.

The timing also appears to clear a path for Micah Potter, whose contract is now more likely to be guaranteed. Potter signed with Indiana on December 26 and has quickly earned trust, starting the past two games and averaging 8.2 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.2 assists in six appearances while shooting efficiently across the board.

Bradley, who turns 28 later this week, had been dealing with a fractured tip on his right thumb. Coach Rick Carlisle previously described the thumb as “partially functional,” and Bradley had been playing with a splint.