Breaking: Jalen Smith returns to the Pacers on a two-year deal

In a rather pleasantly surprising move, unrestricted free agent big man Jalen Smith re-signed with the Indiana Pacers on a two-year deal. The terms of the contract remain undisclosed.

Retaining Smith is massive for the Pacers, as they were severely limited as to what they can tender him in free agency financially. Furthermore, Indiana was already looking at an almost depleted crop of available big men.

Jalen Smith re-signs with the Indiana Pacers for two more years

One of the better under-the-radar free agents on the board until now, Jalen Smith flourished with the Indiana Pacers in the latter part of the previous campaign after getting traded away by the Phoenix Suns. In 22 games with the Blue and Gold, the 22-year-old logged 13.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, and a block per contest in just 24.7 minutes.

His efficient, all-around scoring profile made him a crucial part of the Pacers’ second unit. Draining three-pointers with a 37.3 percent rate, he opened a lot of lanes for Tyrese Haliburton’s playmaking in the team’s new up-tempo attack. He also thrived as a pick-and-roll threat aside from being a standstill shooter.

Heading to the 2022-23 season, Smith could be slated for an even more prominent role, as the Pacers await how the rest of free agency unfolds. It remains to be seen if Indiana will continue its pursuit of Deandre Ayton in free agency, or test the waters and pry into sign-and-trade territory involving Myles Turner.

Alternatively, the front office can stand pat at make more marginal improvements instead of looking to make a big splash. A frontcourt punch of Isaiah Jackson, Smith, and Turner should be pretty viable on the bezels of a youth movement.

Nonetheless, securing Smith for two more years gives the Pacers some quality assurance as a still-developing big man. Also, at 22, he fits perfectly into the team’s timeline.