The Indiana Pacers and free agent heart Isaiah Jackson have agreed to a three-year, $21 million deal for the 23-year-old to return subsequent season, CAA’s Drew Morrison and Sam Rose advised ESPN’s Shams Charania on Friday. His new deal retains him in Indiana by means of the 2027-28 season.
Isaiah Jackson Tore His Proper Achilles Tendon In November 2024
The Pacers issued a $6.4 million qualifying provide to Jackson final month to make him a restricted free agent. That transfer and his newest contract each display that Indiana is assured in his restoration from a serious harm.
Jackson landed in Indiana through a five-team commerce in the summertime of 2021 after the Los Angeles Lakers drafted the 6-foot-10 large man within the first spherical that yr out of the College of Kentucky.
The Michigan native missed nearly all of final season after he tore his proper Achilles tendon in early November. Fellow heart James Wiseman additionally suffered an Achilles harm simply weeks earlier.
In 5 video games (one begin) final season, Jackson averaged 7.0 factors, 5.6 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 1.6 blocks, and 16.8 minutes per contest whereas capturing 60.9% from the sphere and 50% from the foul line.
Pacers Coach Rick Carlisle Sees Jackson’s Potential
Within the 2023-24 marketing campaign, his final totally wholesome season, Jackson averaged 7.0 factors, 5.6 rebounds, 1.6 blocks, and 13.1 minutes per recreation in 59 contests (three begins).
Pacers coach Rick Carlisle praised Jackson for his defensive capability throughout his rookie season.
“His defensive versatility is completely breathtaking. I simply haven’t seen a man transfer, block photographs, change photographs, and be capable to guard any place the best way I’ve seen him be capable to do,” Carlisle stated.
“Offensively, he simply has a extremely terrific really feel for the sport. If you will get him the ball transferring towards the rim, he can end, he can cross after which he has actually labored on his 3-point capturing.
“That’ll be a giant a part of his improvement as a two-position participant on this league. He can guard any place on the ground, however he additionally provides us a rim-rolling lob presence that they simply haven’t had on this workforce.”
Indiana Re-Signed James Wiseman, Traded For Jay Huff
After Myles Turner inked a four-year, $107 million contract with the Milwaukee Bucks in free company, the Pacers re-signed heart James Wiseman and traded for 7-footer Jay Huff.
With Turner now in Milwaukee, Jackson could have a chance this upcoming season to compete for minutes at heart with Tony Bradley, Huff, and Wiseman.
Per Spotrac, Jackson’s new deal will give the Pacers 15 gamers on customary contracts for 2025-26, however Wiseman solely has a partial assure and Bradley’s 2025-26 wage is non-guaranteed.
After 4 seasons of play, the 2025-26 marketing campaign might be the right time for Jackson to turn out to be a constant starter for Indiana.
