The Indiana Pacers have made their first big move of the free agency season, but to many it wasn’t a surprise.
The team has been connected to multiple potential free agents this offseason, but we watched many of them fall of the board early in free agency, including players such as Harrison Barnes and Kyle Kuzma. But we we now know who the primarily pickup for the Pacers will be this offseason.
ESPN reporting with @malikaandrews: Free agent Bruce Brown has agreed on a two-year, $45M deal with the Indiana Pacers, his agents Ty Sullivan and Steven Heumann of @CAASports tell ESPN. Denver — limited in what it could pay — loses a key piece to its repeat hopes.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2023
Bruce Brown is an excellent pickup for the Pacers, but this might be a slight overpay. Last season Brown averaged twelve points, four rebounds, and three assists, so number that won’t be blowing you away anytime soon. But Brown brings something the Pacers will continue to need: versatility on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball.
And while you may be feeling a bit hesitant about the deal at first, consider that the Pacers are only giving Bruce a two year contract. That follows the same timeline as Myles Turner and will allow the front office to evaluate the current core in two years with solid role players. Tony East was able to come out with more details on the exact nature of the deal.
Can confirm that Bruce Brown is signig with the Pacers on a two-year deal with a team option in the second year. @AlexGoldenNBA first (by a mile!)
— Tony East (@TonyREast) June 30, 2023
$45 million in total. $22 million first year and $23 million in the second year, I'm told.
The team option in year two is huge. If the signing ends up being a bit too much of an overpay, the Pacers are able to decline his second year and let him hit the market again. However, if he comes in and is absolutely work the money, the second year may end up very well being worth it.
Bruce Brown will fit seamlessly with the current iteration of the Pacers.
He will thrive in the pick and roll and excels in areas that the Pacers typically haven’t, such as rebounding and defense. He is a capable three point shooter and will be able to play just about any role one through four on the court.
Don’t sleep on Bruce Brown, the Pacers aren’t.
What do you think about the signing? Let us know on Twitter at @8pts9secs