Kofi Inkoom
Early signs indicate that Indiana Pacers power forward, Jalen Smith, is likely to pass on his $5.4 million player option for next season and explore free agency, as reported by Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
Sources close to the situation suggest that Smith hasn’t made a final decision yet but seems inclined to see what opportunities await him in free agency. He must make his choice by June 29 regarding the 2024/25 season.
This season, the 24-year-old Smith played in 61 games, achieving a career-best 9.9 points per game along with 5.5 rebounds and 1.0 assist in 17.2 minutes per game.
Originally drafted 10th overall by the Phoenix Suns in 2020, he joined the Pacers during the 2022 trade deadline. He will likely command a strong market if he decides to test free agency.
Scotto also notes that other teams are keeping an eye on whether the Pacers will retain restricted free agent Obi Toppin. If Indiana secures a new contract for the fourth-year power forward, there’s speculation they might consider trading Jarace Walker, a lottery pick from last year.
In his debut season with the Pacers, Toppin made NBA history by becoming the first player ever to shoot over 70% on two-point shots and more than 40% on three-pointers in a single season.
Specifically, he hit 230 out of 326 shots (70.6%) from inside the arc and connected on 102 out of 253 attempts (40.3%) from beyond it. (via basketball reference)
Away from Toppin, the Pacers have the option to negotiate a maximum extension with Andrew Nembhard this offseason, which could be valued around $78.5 million over four years, as per Evan Sidery of Forbes Sports.