Pacers Lock in Aaron Nesmith with $40.4M Extension NOW

URGENT UPDATE: The Indiana Pacers have officially locked in forward Aaron Nesmith with a two-year, $40.4 million contract extension that will keep him with the franchise through the 2028-29 season. This significant move was confirmed by his agent, Mike Lindeman of Excel Sports Management, just hours before the deadline for veteran extensions.

This extension secures one of the Pacers’ top defenders following a remarkable playoff run where Nesmith started all 23 games, leading the team to the NBA Finals. His performance has been nothing short of stellar, making this deal a crucial investment for Indiana.

Nesmith enjoyed a breakout season in 2024-25, posting career highs across the board: a field goal percentage of 51%, a three-point percentage of 43%, and a free throw percentage of 91%. His performance in the postseason was particularly impressive, where he took on elite defensive assignments against stars like Jalen Williams, Jalen Brunson, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Darius Garland.

Remarkably, Nesmith shot 49.2% from beyond the arc during the playoffs, marking the best percentage by any player with at least 100 three-point attempts in a single postseason, according to ESPN Research.

This extension not only underscores Nesmith’s value to the Pacers but also highlights the team’s commitment to bolstering their roster as they aim for future championships. The move is expected to have a significant impact on team dynamics and strategy moving forward.

As the Pacers prepare for the upcoming season, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Nesmith’s contributions can further elevate the team’s performance. With this deal, the Pacers are clearly signaling their intent to remain competitive in the league.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.