Malachi Smith Earns Two-Way Contract With Raptors

NBA Malachi Smith Earns Two-Way Contract With Raptors

By Ben Gale

September 22, 2026 • 3:02 AM EDT

Updated 8 seconds ago

Malachi Smith Earns Two-Way Contract With Raptors

Here’s something for Raptors fans to circle ahead of training camp: Malachi Smith just secured a two-way contract with Toronto after ending last season in Brooklyn. What does that really mean for you? Smith gets to show his stuff both with the big squad and Raptors 905 in the G League, so Toronto’s roster flexibility just got a shot in the arm ahead of camp. That’s a classic good-value scenario—a player with an NBA-ready touch who can run hot for the bench, but also get serious development minutes in the G League.

The basics: Smith, 26, was with the Nets for 15 games last year (four as a starter) and didn’t just fill minutes; he made the most of them. Take a look at the numbers: 8.3 points per game, knocking down nearly half his shots (48.5 percent) and catching fire from deep at 43.5 percent. He was also a perfect 100 percent at the line in limited trips. Add 3.4 rebounds and 3.3 assists, and you get why the Raptors want to take a closer look.

According to Yahoo Sports, Toronto is converting Smith’s Exhibit 10 camp deal into this two-way slot, which gives them a little more roster maneuvering power. For bettors, that could become interesting if Smith carves out rotation minutes, or finds himself logging heavy usage with Raptors 905 and gets the NBA call-up when depth is thin.

Why is all this happening? Smith was waived by Brooklyn back in July after they exercised his minimum salary team option (a move linked to cap space, not performance). That meant he was available as a low-risk pickup, and the Raptors didn’t hesitate to add a player with both proven efficiency and some untapped upside. Their camp opens on September 29, and Smith will be looking to punch his ticket out of Mississauga and into the main NBA mix.

Key developments you should care about:

Smith’s Exhibit 10 camp deal turned into a two-way contract
He posted 8.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.3 assists for the Nets last season on elite shooting splits
Toronto can now flex him between the NBA roster and Raptors 905, boosting depth and roster flexibility
Nets’ waived Smith to make salary cap space, not due to lack of performance
Training camp for Toronto starts September 29

Smith’s Game By the Numbers

Let’s get into why his on-court numbers should turn heads. Shooting 48.5 percent from the field and 43.5 percent from deep in the NBA isn’t easy for role players, especially on a new team. It tells you that Smith is efficient, takes smart shots, and isn’t rattled by a bigger stage. His 100 percent free-throw rate is a bonus, though the sample size is small. Combine that with almost three and a half rebounds and assists per game each, and you see a guard who does more than just shoot—he rebounds, he distributes, he keeps plays alive.

Why It Matters for Toronto

If Smith keeps up that level of shooting with the Raptors—even if he’s shuttling between leagues—he’ll carve out regular NBA minutes. Toronto’s roster has room for hungry two-way players, and this is the type of high-upside swing the Raptors have made work before. That sort of versatility usually means increased bench production and some surprise performances when injuries or fatigue hit the main roster.

What About the Rest of the G League Movement?

Alongside Smith, other names are moving around the NBA’s two-way contract landscape. For example, Graham Ike just grabbed a two-way deal with the Golden State Warriors. Meanwhile, Drew Timme, despite his two-way run with the Lakers last year, remains unsigned with all L.A. spots filled. That gives you a sense of how competitive those roles are—Smith isn’t just filling a slot, he’s managed to stand out above some notable names.

Key Takeaways

Malachi Smith secured a two-way contract after showing efficient offense with the Nets
Shooting splits (48.5/43.5/100) prove he can score at the NBA level
Toronto can use Smith as a swingman between the main club and Raptors 905
This move creates depth for the Raptors at shooting guard
Bettors should monitor Smith’s role as it could impact bench scoring props and in-season G League call-up odds
Smith’s release from Brooklyn was due to cap management, not lack of talent
Toronto’s camp opens September 29, so expect updates on his preseason impact soon
Efficiency and versatility could help Smith stick long-term in the NBA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Malachi Smith is a 26-year-old shooting guard who played 15 games for the Brooklyn Nets last season and has now signed a two-way contract with the Toronto Raptors.

A two-way contract allows a player to split time between an NBA team and its G League affiliate. Smith will play for both the Raptors and their G League team, Raptors 905.

Smith averaged 8.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.3 assists across 15 games, shooting 48.5 percent from the field and 43.5 percent from three-point range.

The Nets waived Smith in July to create salary cap space after initially exercising his minimum salary team option, not due to a lack of performance.

Training camp for the Toronto Raptors will open on September 29.

Smith can provide depth for the Raptors and increase bench production, while his development in the G League could boost his chances of sticking on the NBA roster.

Graham Ike has signed a two-way deal with the Golden State Warriors, and Drew Timme is still searching for a new NBA spot after not being picked up by the Lakers.