Kofi Inkoom
The Indiana Pacers have cemented the future by assuring the financial stability of two of their players for the 2024/25 season.
They made the official announcement today, declaring that they’ve opted to activate their rookie scale team options for Bennedict Mathurin [third year], a versatile wing, and Isaiah Jackson [fourth year], a formidable big man.
Mathurin, who was chosen as the sixth overall pick in the 2022 draft, achieved the prestigious honor of being named to the All-Rookie first team during the recent spring.
This recognition followed his impressive performance, where he averaged 16.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.5 assists while spending an average of 28.5 minutes on the court per game.
At just 21 years of age, he seems on the brink of transitioning into a full-time starting role for the upcoming season, having predominantly served as a valuable contributor off the bench in 61 out of 78 games last season.
Regarding Mathurin’s salary, his earnings of $6.92 million for the upcoming season were previously secured.
However, with the decision to exercise this option, the Pacers have firmly locked in his cap hit at $7.25 million for the 2024/25 season.
The verdict on whether to trigger his $9.19 million option for the 2025/26 season will be made a year from now.
As for Isaiah Jackson, the 22nd overall pick from the 2021 draft, he has showcased his skills in 99 games over his two seasons with the Pacers.
He’s contributed an average of 7.6 points and 4.4 rebounds while spending an average of 16.0 minutes on the court per game.
He’s currently in the mix for the role of backup center behind Myles Turner in the upcoming season, although he will face competition from players like Daniel Theis and Jalen Smith.
Now that the option has been exercised, Jackson’s 2024/25 team option guarantees him a salary of approximately $4.44 million.
Furthermore, he becomes eligible for a rookie scale extension next July as he enters the final year of his rookie contract.