NBA Notes: Pacers, Tony Bradley, Celtics, Anfernee Simons, Knicks

Pacers

Tony Bradley is back. Sort of.

After waiving Bradley earlier this week to avoid guaranteeing his contract, the Pacers have officially re-signed the center to a 10-day deal, the team confirmed. Bradley cleared waivers and became a free agent before returning.

Indiana’s next game isn’t until Thursday, which allowed the Pacers to time the deal strategically. By stretching the contract from Jan. 8-17, Bradley’s 10-day could cover six games, including a back-to-back later in the month.

The Pacers needed the depth. Backup center Isaiah Jackson remains sidelined with a concussion, while Micah Potter has moved into the rotation and appears secure after being retained past the contract guarantee deadline.

Bradley had been part of a three-man center rotation earlier in the season before suffering a fracture at the tip of his right thumb. He has continued playing with a splint.

By releasing and re-signing him, Indiana created roughly $1.55 million in cap savings. Bradley’s 10-day deal carries a cap hit of about $132,000, keeping the Pacers well below the luxury tax line. At 6-31, they are widely expected to stay there.

Bradley has appeared in 29 games this season, averaging 3.9 points and 2.6 rebounds in limited minutes. He’ll be eligible for one more 10-day deal after this one before Indiana would need to offer a standard contract.

Celtics

Anfernee Simons keeps making the case to stay.

Simons was viewed as a potential trade candidate almost immediately after the Celtics acquired him, but his recent play has changed the conversation, writes Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe. Over his past six games, he’s averaging 17.3 points in under 25 minutes while shooting efficiently from all three levels.

Coach Joe Mazzulla praised Simons’ approach, citing his attitude and consistency. With Boston playing better than projected, moving Simons’ $27.7 million salary purely for cost-cutting purposes no longer appears urgent.

Knicks

Defense remains on the radar in New York.

James L. Edwards III of The Athletic examined whether the New York Knicks should pursue a defensive upgrade, identifying Jose Alvarado, Keon Ellis, and Ochai Agbaji as potential targets.

Ellis would be the easiest fit financially at $2.3 million, while Alvarado earns $4.5 million. Agbaji may carry the least trade value, but his $6.4 million salary presents the biggest challenge for New York to absorb.

You can check out Edwards’ full piece here.