Former Indiana Pacers player signs a deal with a divisional foe

The Indiana Pacers had a very strong bench this past year. All parts of the bench came together offensively to make sure that they were the highest-scoring bench in the NBA. A big reason for that is because everyone in the rotation could score from everywhere on the floor.

Jalen Smith was a big reason for that, especially early in the year. He finished the regular season strong, shooting a whopping 59% from the field and 42% from three. That shooting is hard to find from a center who plays on the bench. He was a real weapon.

Unfortunately for him, his play deteriorated quickly in the playoffs. He lost his spot in the rotation in the first round of the playoffs against the Bucks. That was the sign that he was not a part of Indiana's plans for the future. He decided to opt out of his contract and has now signed somewhere else.

Former Pacers player Jalen Smith signs a three-year deal with the Bulls

Smith has decided to stay close to Indianapolis. According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Smith has agreed to sign a three-year deal worth $27 million with the Chicago Bulls. After losing Andre Drummond, the Bulls decided to get younger and go after Smith.

For Smith, this is a good deal. He gets more money than he would have gotten with the Pacers to fill the exact same role. He's still a backup but gets more job security. Smith now will play with a much different roster around him and one that probably won't generate as many open shots for him.

Once the Pacers saw that he wasn't going to be a part of the playoff rotation, it was easier to see him leave. Indiana isn't as worried about regular season success as they are about playoff success with the roster they have. All of the moves they will make this offseason will point to getting better in the playoffs.

Smith is the first Pacers free agent to sign somewhere else this offseason. Indiana has brought everyone else back, including Pascal Siakam. More contract extensions should be coming for them.