​The Toronto Raptors are officially rounding out their roster with an intriguing new piece. As the front office prepares for the upcoming training camp, the franchise has made a shrewd move to bolster its backcourt depth by signing second-year guard Malachi Smith.

​The team announced the deal on Monday, adding the versatile 26-year-old playmaker to the organization as they gear up for what promises to be a highly competitive 2026-27 NBA season. While the exact financial terms have not been officially disclosed per team policy, all signs point to an Exhibit 10 training camp contract, giving Smith a golden opportunity to prove his worth in front of the coaching staff.

​From Undrafted Grind to NBA Opportunity

​Smith’s journey to the NBA has been a testament to relentless perseverance. After going undrafted out of the college ranks, the guard initially began his professional journey on an Exhibit 10 deal with the Portland Trail Blazers. Though he was waived during that initial stint, Smith didn’t let the setback define his trajectory.

​He quickly found a new home within the Brooklyn Nets organization, signing another Exhibit 10 deal and spending the vast majority of the 2025-26 campaign dominating with their G-League affiliate. His hard work eventually paid off in a major way: Smith earned a pair of hard-fought 10-day contracts with the Brooklyn senior squad before ultimately inking a two-year, non-guaranteed deal this past April.

​During his rookie stint in the NBA, Smith made 15 appearances, showcasing an impressive maturity on the floor. He averaged 8.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.3 assists across 23.9 minutes per night. Most notably, he proved to be a lethal weapon from deep, torching opposing defenses by shooting an elite 43.5 percent from beyond the arc on 3.1 attempts per game.

​Down in the G-League, those numbers were even more staggering. Over 39 games, Smith poured in 14.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 1.4 steals, all while maintaining a scorching 42.2 percent clip from three-point range. In fact, Raptors fans might already remember his skillset firsthand: back in April, Smith put up a solid line of 8 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists in 35 minutes against Toronto, hitting two triples in the process.

​Despite showing clear upside, the Nets opted to waive Smith in July, immediately putting the rest of the league on notice and opening the door for Toronto to swoop in.

​Where Does Smith Fit in Toronto?

​With Smith now in the fold, the Raptors’ training camp picture is coming into sharp focus. He joins a growing list of high-upside players snagging Exhibit 10 contracts, including Andre Jackson Jr., Nate Bittle, and Michigan standout Nimari Burnett (whose signing is widely anticipated).

​Meanwhile, Toronto’s two-way slots are currently locked down by Trey Jemison III, Chucky Hepburn, and 2026 second-round draft pick Jaden Bradley. With a full 15-player standard roster already established, Smith and his fellow training camp invitees will be fighting tooth and nail for any remaining flexibility or a pathway into the G-League affiliate system.

​Adding a 6-foot-something guard who can shoot over 42% from deep, facilitate the offense, and hold his own defensively is a low-risk, high-reward play by the Raptors’ front office. If Smith can replicate his G-League efficiency and translate his shooting stroke onto the practice floor, he could easily emerge as one of the ultimate hidden gems of the offseason.

​The training camp battles in Toronto are going to be fierce. As the team looks to balance veteran leadership with hungry young talent, Malachi Smith is officially ready to make his mark. Keep a close eye on this backcourt sleeper—he might just surprise everyone when September rolls around!