The Brooklyn Nets have waived guard Malachi Smith, according to Brian Lewis of the New York Post, ending his brief stint with the franchise.
Brooklyn had exercised its minimum-salary team option on Smith at the end of June, but because the deal was non-guaranteed, the team will not take on a salary cap charge by releasing him.
Smith went undrafted out of Gonzaga in 2023 and spent most of his first three professional seasons in the G League.
He earned an opportunity with the Nets during the second half of the 2025-26 campaign, first signing two 10-day contracts before receiving a two-year standard deal.
The 26-year-old made the most of his NBA opportunity, averaging 8.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in 15 games, including four starts, while shooting 48.5 percent from the field and 43.5 percent from three-point range.
He also enjoyed his best G League season in 2025-26, posting averages of 15.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, 7.0 assists, and 1.6 steals across 29 games.
If Smith clears waivers, he will become an unrestricted free agent. With only one season of NBA experience, he remains eligible to sign a two-way contract, and the Nets currently have one two-way roster spot available.
Nets Waive Malachi Smith https://t.co/Orntm8g5eo
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) July 10, 2026
