Kendall Brown, a forward, is joining the Indiana Pacers on a multi-year contract, two league sources told AllPacers. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski broke the story first. League sources claim that Brown’s contract has a three-year overall duration. The contract has a team option in the third season and is non-guaranteed for the last two. Brown’s pay this season will exceed his minimum.
The Pacers, who had cap room to begin the league season, had to spend a portion of their room exception—a salary cap exception they had held onto all season—in order to sign Brown to a three-year contract. Brown’s deal could start at any sum, from the minimum to almost $7.7 million, because that exception was invoked. For the remainder of the campaign, his minimum pay is slightly less than $450,000.
Brown is now in his second Pacers season. In the 2022 NBA Draft, he was selected 48th overall. He has spent the last two seasons on a two-way contract with Indiana. Despite having less appearances overall due to injuries, he has played in 12 NBA games, including this Friday against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Regarding his players on two-way contracts, Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle recently stated, “We try to get them as many games suited up because it’s just great experience even if they don’t play.” Brown’s progress in the G League has been observable. In 33 games this season, the 20-year-old wing is averaging 16.6 points per game for the Indiana Mad Ants, including over 50% of his points from the field. His defense and athleticism have been useful.
There has been a clear progression in his career from the first to the second year. Simply putting in more effort on both ends. Reaching the hoops. Making plays for others,” Brown remarked on his progress this season towards the end of the previous year. “I’m just getting myself going and playing defense. Making a quick break and running away,” he continued. The Baylor product is averaging 1.6 points and 0.7 rebounds per game in 12 NBA games. Since he will now be a permanent member of the Pacers, he may play more frequently.
In order to acquire Brown in the 2022 draft, Indiana had to give up assets, and they intended to give him more time to grow. “We are still incredibly happy about Kendall Brown. Last year, Pacers President of Basketball Operations Kevin Pritchard remarked, “He had a bad injury, but we really like him.” The timing of his deal makes a ton of sense, with the buyout market opening up fully on Friday and teams having until Monday to sign players to two-way contracts. Brown is now eligible to participate in postseason games if Indiana needs him, and the Pacers had an open roster space. The playoffs are not open to two-way players. The blue and gold can also fill their now-available two-way spot before tomorrow’s deadline.
With a full roster, Indiana has exceeded the payroll cap. Anticipate that they will sign a two-way agreement today or tomorrow.
