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The Indiana Pacers will reportedly waive Al Jefferson

By Tony East

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - JANUARY 15: Al Jefferson #25 of the Indiana Pacers runs up court during a game against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena on January 15, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Indiana Pacers won 109-94. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - JANUARY 15: Al Jefferson #25 of the Indiana Pacers runs up court during a game against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena on January 15, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Indiana Pacers won 109-94. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images) /
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Al Jefferson is going to be waived by the Indiana Pacers, according to a report. Let’s examine the move.

The time has come. After two seasons with the Indiana Pacers, Al Jefferson has been placed on waivers.

Jefferson signed a 3 year, $30 million contract in the summer of 2016. He was headed into the final season of that deal before he was released. The news of the move was reported by Shams Charania of Yahoo Sports:

Al Jefferson’s contract is unique. As mentioned before, it was a three-year deal, but the third season was only partially guaranteed. Instead of all $10 million of the deal being guaranteed, only $4 million was. Thus, the Pacers save $6 million against the salary cap by making this maneuver.

Jefferson enters the waiver process. The waiver process is 48 hours long and allows other teams to pick up Jefferson on his current contract. If he clears waivers in 48 hours and is not signed by another organization, he is free to sign with whatever team he chooses…

Including the Pacers. There is reportedly interest in such a transaction occurring, according to Bob Kravitz of WTHR:

That is all speculation, but Al Jefferson was allegedly a great guy for the locker room and a boon for the team’s chemistry. Kevin Pritchard said as much at his end of season press conference. His veteran leadership and infectiously happy attitude were perhaps better than anything he did on the court in Indiana.

Speaking of on the court, if Al never suits up for the Pacers again, he departs Indiana with a final stat line of 7.7 points and 4.1 rebounds across 102 games. He was a valuable depth piece for the younger Pacers centers and was serviceable in his limited minutes. He wasn’t nearly as good as he was in his All-NBA days, but he proved he could still hang in the association.

Next: Lance and LeBron team up in LA

From losing 40 pounds to coming in and playing whenever it was asked of him, Jefferson had a positive impact on the Pacers organization. His delightful personality and veteran leadership will have a lasting impact on the younger players. Who knows what is next for big Al, but we all wish him well during the next step of his journey.

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