The Indiana Pacers have signed Aaron Nesmith to a multi-year contract extension. While the team did not formally announce every detail, media reports indicate it is a two-year deal worth approximately $40.4 million.
Team President of Basketball Operations Kevin Pritchard praised Nesmith as someone who “embodies our team’s selfless, fast-paced style of play while also playing a key role in defining our culture … a testament to his talent, dedication and commitment to this organization and our fans.”
Why this makes sense
- Nesmith, originally a lottery pick by the Boston Celtics in 2020, was traded to the Pacers in July 2022.
- In the 2024-25 season he posted strong shooting numbers (50.7 % field goal, 43.1 % from three, 91.3 % free throw) despite being limited to 45 regular-season games.
- He played a key role in the Pacers’ postseason run, starting all 23 games and averaging 12.7 points and 5.7 rebounds as Indiana reached the NBA Finals.
What it means for the Pacers
- The Pacers retained a core contributor who has shown both defensive value and shooting efficiency, locking him up before his value likely increases further.
- From a roster-management perspective, this deal provides stability at the wing position.
- For Nesmith, it offers financial security and reinforces the team’s confidence in him as a key part of their future.
Outlook
While the deal is relatively short in length (two years), the value signals that Indiana views Nesmith as integral for the near term. As he continues to develop and stay healthy, there is potential for both him and the team to elevate their status further. For Pacers fans, the extension is a positive step in maintaining momentum from their deep playoff run.
