Following a remarkable playoff performance that propelled Indiana to the Eastern Conference finals in May, Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard has inked a lucrative three-year, $59 million contract extension, sources revealed to Yahoo Sports on Wednesday. The deal, which does not include any options, deviates slightly from the recent trend in the NBA offseason, with players prioritizing guaranteed money over the allure of free agency.
Nembhard, 24, was still under his rookie deal for two more years after being drafted by the Pacers in 2022. However, Indiana has decided to decline his 2025-26 club option to facilitate the extension, which will kick in after the upcoming 2024-25 season. This move allows Nembhard to receive a substantial raise for the 2025-26 season and positions him for another significant contract extension in 2028, as he enters his prime.
The third-year guard played a pivotal role for the Pacers during the playoffs, demonstrating his value with clutch performances and stepping up when needed. While Nembhard could attract interest from other teams in the future, there is a possibility that he could remain with Indiana if the team continues its upward trajectory in the Eastern Conference standings behind key players like Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam.
Despite trade interest from the San Antonio Spurs this offseason, Nembhard’s focus remains on his current team’s success. The Spurs, who recently acquired veteran Chris Paul to lead their offense, have been exploring options to bolster their backcourt alongside rising star Victor Wembanyama. While the Spurs drafted UConn guard Stephon Castle with the No. 4 pick, Nembhard’s future in San Antonio remains uncertain as the team seeks to solidify its long-term roster.