The Indiana Pacers made an impressive run to the NBA Eastern Conference Finals last season thanks to their deep roster, with key contributions from players like T.J. McConnell.
McConnell, 32, earned a well-deserved four-year, $45 million contract extension for his stellar performance, as reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. He had one year left on his existing contract but is now committed to the team through 2028-29.
During the previous season, McConnell posted career-best numbers, averaging 10.2 points and 5.5 assists per game while shooting 41% from beyond the arc. In the playoffs, he upped his game to 11.8 points and played a pivotal role in defending against star players like Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks, supporting Tyrese Haliburton.
McConnell, who is entering his 10th NBA season, has spent the last five years with the Pacers after starting his career as an undrafted free agent with the Philadelphia 76ers. Throughout his career, he has maintained averages of 7.5 points, 5.1 assists, and a 35% 3-point shooting percentage.
Securing McConnell with a long-term deal underscores the Pacers’ commitment to maintaining a strong core. In addition to McConnell, the team has also re-signed Pascal Siakam and Obi Toppin this offseason, while extending Andrew Nembhard, another key player in their backcourt during the postseason.
Indiana concluded the season in sixth place in the Eastern Conference, finishing with a 47-35 record and making it to the finals of the in-season tournament. They defeated the Milwaukee Bucks and Knicks in the playoffs before being swept by the eventual NBA champions, the Boston Celtics.