Pacers fleece New York Knicks and use cap space to win free agency

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 09: Head coach Rick Carlisle of the Indiana Pacers directs his team in the second half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on April 09, 2023 in New York City. 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 09: Head coach Rick Carlisle of the Indiana Pacers directs his team in the second half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on April 09, 2023 in New York City. 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 Elsa/Getty Images) /
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The Pacers entered the offseason needing to nail free agency. And what have they done? Exactly that says Sam Quinn of CBS Sports. 

While grading all of the NBA teams in how they approached free agency, Sam Quinn had quite a few great things to say about the Pacers as he discussed the moves the Pacers were making and ultimately gave them an A rating.

Nailing the Bruce Brown Signing

Here is what Sam Quinn had to say about the Pacers bringing in Bruce Brown and the structure of his new deal:

"“Indiana handled the Bruce Brown situation flawlessly. They used their pile of cap space to throw an enormous first-year salary at his way, preventing other teams from matching their raw price, but they only guaranteed the first year of the deal. Now, if the championship shine wears off of Brown, or if he gets hurt, or if they simply have other priorities, they can either let him go or, more likely, re-sign him at a more palatable long-term number next summer.”"

This is a great point by Sam, who is exactly right. The Pacers have set up a win-win scenario with Bruce Brown for them in the next two years. If Bruce Brown excels? The contract was worth it and they can re-up him for his second season with the team.

If Bruce Brown struggles? They can turn down the team option and potentially renegotiate what the second year in Indy would be worth to the team.

And if he is awful? They can cut ties completely.