INDIANAPOLIS — TJ McConnell is still eligible for a contract extension for the Indiana Pacers, one of the most important pieces of the offseason checklist remaining in the Circle City. The veteran guard is coming off a career year and has been a vital part of Indiana’s high-powered bench.
Earlier in the offseason, suggested reporting The prevailing view in the NBA was that McConnell would get a longer contract with the Blue and Gold. He became eligible for an extension in early July.
“We would like to keep TJ as a Pacer for life,” Pacers general manager Chad Buchanan said in a radio interview earlier this offseason.
The 32-year-old had the best season of his career in 2023-24, averaging 10.2 points and 5.5 assists per game. Those points numbers were his best in his career as he emerged as an elite role player late in the campaign. His scoring and assists were at their best for more than two months.
His scoring average actually increased in the playoffs while his assists remained mostly flat. On the biggest stages, he was even better. No one could stay in front of him as the Pacers stormed to the Eastern Conference Finals.
“I think everybody’s seen his value throughout the year, over the last few years. But to really see him shine in the playoffs was, I think, a big goal for TJ, and he accomplished that this year,” Buchanan said. “To have him here long-term, we’d like to keep TJ as a Pacer for life. The business aspect ultimately comes into play for everybody, but I’d hate to lose that guy.”
McConnell is important to the blue and gold beyond his production. He can run a fast-paced offense, which is vital for Indiana. They’ve played fast and had a pace near the top of the league. Tyrese Haliburton’s skill set requires a fast-paced offense. When the star point guard leaves the court, McConnell can maintain that system during his minutes, and the Pacers don’t lose their rhythm.
Indiana kept their offensive rating above 120 with McConnell on the court without Haliburton, an impressive feat. It’s why the team had one of the best offenses in NBA history last season.
“A phenomenal year for TJ,” Buchanan said. “I don’t know what else you can say about TJ, what he’s meant to this team. He’s loved by his teammates, his coaches, the staff, the fans. He’s everything you want from an Indiana Pacer.”
From a production and fitness standpoint, keeping McConnell is a no-brainer for the Pacers. But it’s more than that. As the GM alluded to, the business aspect comes into play and makes things more complicated.
Indiana is close to the luxury tax right now, and they currently project to be around $33 million next offseason with Myles Turner, McConnell, Isaiah Jackson, and maybe others They enter free agency. It will be difficult for the blue and gold to keep their entire team together if they are determined to stay below the tax threshold.
Of course, this restriction might not stop Indiana from doing anything. They could simply bypass the tax and keep whoever they want. But it’s a costly decision, and their willingness to do so may depend on how this season plays out.
Additionally, McConnell will be 33 next season. Modern NBA players can remain effective longer past age 30, but the age curve hits everyone sooner or later. McConnell is a small guard, so his speed is a requirement.
McConnell’s value doesn’t stop on the field. He’s a valued teammate and veteran, and losing him would be a huge blow to the locker room. He’s a key piece for the Blue and Gold in every way.
After its strong seasonHe is eligible for a four-year contract extension worth up to about $81 million. He will be eligible for a deal that fits within those parameters at any point through the start of free agency next summer, so the Pacers could, in theory, evaluate how he plays this season and fits into their finances after potential trades before agreeing to a deal.
If McConell wants an extension, it would be better for him to get it done sooner. Getting guaranteed money as quickly as possible is the best outcome for any NBA player. There are many factors that go into a potential contract extension for McConnell.
The Pacers have often retained their own players through extensions over the past five years. Maybe they’ll do it again with McConnell, but timing, age and finances make it a no-brainer for Indiana.
