Kam Jones’ contract situation has the Pacers pondering their next move. With only 50% of his deal guaranteed for next season, the team faces a decision.
One option on the table is to push back his guarantee date to July, letting him showcase his skills in the Summer League. This flexibility could be crucial for Jones, who was the 38th overall pick last year but had a delayed start due to a back injury.
Although he’s under contract until 2028/29, the final two years are non-guaranteed, making his future with the Pacers uncertain.
The team's draft strategy could also impact Jones’ fate. If Indiana retains its top-four protected pick, roster spots will be tight. The Pacers might consider waiving Jones or using the stretch provision to manage his cap hit over several seasons.
In other Pacers news, third-year guard Ben Sheppard is eyeing a rookie scale extension this summer. After overcoming early-season injuries, Sheppard has stepped up, showing offensive growth and handling tough defensive tasks. Reflecting on his season, Sheppard noted, “I’ve been able to experiment and find my shot in new ways, thanks to my coaches and teammates.”
Friday night brought an emotional return for Bennedict Mathurin and Isaiah Jackson, who faced the Pacers for the first time since their trade to the Clippers. The former first-round picks were greeted with a tribute video and cheers from the fans, a gesture Mathurin deeply appreciated.
“Indy is like my first home,” he shared. Head coach Rick Carlisle expressed his happiness for their success in Los Angeles, acknowledging the contractual challenges that led to Mathurin’s departure.
On the injury front, Jarace Walker suffered a head injury during Friday’s game and was sidelined for the rest of the match. Coach Carlisle mentioned that Walker’s status for concussion protocol remains uncertain, with more clarity expected by Sunday.
These developments highlight a pivotal moment for the Pacers as they navigate roster decisions and player futures.