INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Pacers announced a flurry of moves over the weekend as the NBA’s free agent signing period began.
All the moves had been previously reported, and the team still has additional deals to formalize.
Toppin returns
Obi Toppin officially signed a new contract with the team. Toppin began the season as a starter but transitioned into an indispensable scorer off the bench.
The Pacers acquired Toppin from the Knicks in an offseason trade last summer. The change of scenery helped the Dayton product set career highs in scoring (10.3 points per game), rebounding (3.9 per game), assists (1.9 per game) and minutes (21.1 per game). Toppin also shot a career-best 57.3% from the field, including 40.3% from three-point range.
He was the only Pacer to appear in all 82 games in the regular season and finished second in scoring off the bench. The Pacers had the league’s top-scoring second unit.
While the Pacers didn’t disclose the terms of the deal, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski previously reported that Toppin agreed to a four-year deal worth $60 million.
He’s signed through the 2027-2028 season.
Wiseman brings frontcourt depth
The team also announced the signing of center James Wiseman.
Wiseman was the No. 2 overall pick of the 2020 NBA Draft. Originally selected by the Golden State Warriors, he was eventually traded to the Detroit Pistons.
In Detroit last season, Wiseman played in a career-high 63 games, averaging 7 points and 5.3 rebounds in 17 minutes a game.
Wiseman’s addition will bolster the Pacers’ frontcourt after reserve center Jalen Smith declined his player option to become a free agent. Smith eventually signed with the Chicago Bulls.
Wiseman signed a two-year deal with the team, according to reports.
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Johnny Furphy walks the red carpet before the NBA basketball draft, Wednesday, June 26, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson) ![]()
Kansas guard Johnny Furphy (10) brings the ball up court during the first half of a first-round college basketball game against Samford in the NCAA Tournament in Salt Lake City, Thursday, March 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Furphy trade official
The Pacers officially closed a draft-day deal with the San Antonio Spurs to acquire Johnny Furphy in exchange for Juan Nunez and cash considerations.
The Pacers moved up from No. 36 to No. 35 to acquire Furphy. The Australian sharpshooter spent a season at Kansas before opting to go pro.
Many draft analysts tabbed the 6’9” Furphy as a first-round selection. When he fell into the second round, the Pacers decided to pull the trigger on the trade.
Furphy isn’t expected to step into a significant role in his rookie season, as the Pacers are loaded with depth and experience. However, the team will look to develop him and will always welcome an athletic wing who can shoot from outside.
Furphy will play on the Pacers’ Summer League team.
Siakam announcement
Indiana signaled its commitment to pursuing a championship when it added Pascal Siakam via a trade in January. Siakam, a former All-Star and All-NBA selection, became the team’s leading scorer in the regular season and playoffs.
Siakam helped the team make a run to the Eastern Conference Finals, where the Pacers fell in four games against the eventual world champion Boston Celtics.
Both Siakam and the Pacers had expressed interest in keeping the forward in Indiana once the playoff run ended. Reports emerged last month that Siakam agreed to a four-year max deal worth $189.5 million.
The Pacers are expected to formally announce Siakam’s signing during a news conference on Monday.