Nets Waive Guard Malachi Smith

Brooklyn avoided a cap hit by releasing Smith under a non‑guaranteed team option, preserving a two‑way roster pathway for his return.

Overview

The Brooklyn Nets have waived guard Malachi Smith after signing him to a two‑year, non‑guaranteed standard deal in April following two 10‑day call‑ups.
Because the team option exercised in June was non‑guaranteed, the Nets will not incur a salary cap charge from the move.
Smith played 15 NBA games for Brooklyn to close 2025‑26, averaging 8.3 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.3 assists while shooting an efficient 48.5% from the field and 43.5% from three.
If he clears waivers he will become an unrestricted free agent and he remains eligible for a two‑way contract; the Nets currently have one two‑way opening, making a re‑sign or G League placement possible.
Smith’s path from going undrafted out of Gonzaga in 2023 through multiple G League stops to late‑season NBA minutes underscores how non‑guaranteed deals and two‑way rules shape opportunities for fringe players.