“Pacers Lock In T.J. McConnell: The Heart and Hustle Behind Indiana’s Playoff Run”
INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Pacers have extended guard T.J. McConnell’s contract, rewarding another key player from last season’s playoff roster. Though the team did not disclose the terms, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the extension is for four years and valued at $45 million.
“T.J. McConnell exemplifies the intensity, competitive spirit, and passion that every NBA team desires,” said Kevin Pritchard, President of Basketball Operations. “He’s become a stabilizing veteran presence on and off the court, and his contribution to our success last season was immense. We’re thrilled he will continue to be a part of our future.”
McConnell’s season began with challenges, as the team added Bruce Brown in free agency and entrusted Andrew Nembhard with leading the second unit. This resulted in Coach Rick Carlisle informing McConnell that his playing time would be reduced.
By mid-November, McConnell had forced his way back into the rotation, proving too energetic, tough, and effective to remain benched. Eventually, after Brown was traded to Toronto in the Pascal Siakam deal, Nembhard was promoted to the starting lineup, and McConnell resumed control of the second unit.
Throughout the season, McConnell repeatedly demonstrated his value, stepping up in critical moments and consistently outworking opponents. During the second half of the season, he averaged 25.8 points per 36 minutes while shooting nearly 58% from the field. His clutch scoring and relentless defense disrupted opponents and generated key turnovers.
In the playoffs, McConnell’s 20-point, nine-assist performance in Game 6 helped the Pacers eliminate the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round. He reached double figures in five of the seven games in the Pacers’ series against the New York Knicks and scored 23 points in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics.
McConnell joined the Pacers as a free agent in 2019 after four seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers. He went undrafted in the 2015 NBA Draft.