CAA’s Drew Morrison and Sam Rose told ESPN’s Shams Charania Friday that Indiana Pacers and free agent Isaiah Jackson had agreed to the 23-year-old’s three-year-old’s $21 million deal. In the 2027-28 season, his new deal put him in Indiana.
Isaiah Jackson tore his right follow-up in November 2024
The Pacers issued a $6.4 million eligibility offer to Jackson last month, making him a restricted free agent. The move and his latest contract show that Indiana is confident that he recovers from major injuries.
Jackson landed in Indiana through trade with five teams in the summer of 2021 after the Los Angeles Lakers selected the 6-foot-10 big man in the first round of the University of Kentucky.
The Michigan native missed most of last season after tearing his right follow-up tendon in early November. Center James Wiseman was also injured a few weeks ago.
In five games last season, Jackson averaged 7.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 1.6 blocks and 16.8 minutes of games while shooting 60.9% from the field and 50% from the foul line.
Pacers coach Rick Carlisle sees Jackson’s potential
In his last healthy season in 2023-24, Jackson averaged 7.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.6 blocks and 13.1 minutes per game in 59 games.
Pacers coach Rick Carlisle praised Jackson for his defensive ability in his rookie season.
“His defensive versatility is absolutely breathtaking. I just haven’t seen a man move, blocking shots, changing shots, and being able to guard any position like I’ve seen him able to do it,” Carlisle said.
“Offensively, he feels like the game is amazing. If you can get him to the rim, he can finish, he can pass, and then he does work on his 3-point shooting percentage.
“It will be a big part of his development as two players in this league. He can defend anywhere on the floor, but he also gave us a rolling leaf that they just haven’t in this team yet.”
Indiana re-signs James Wiseman for Jay Huff
After Myles Turner signed a four-year, $107 million contract with Milwaukee Bucks free agent, the Pacers re-signed center James Wiseman and traded a 7-foot Jay Huff.
With Turner now in Milwaukee, Jackson will have the chance to play in center against Tony Bradley, Huff and Wiseman in the upcoming season.
According to Spotrac, Jackson’s new deal will allow the Pacers to get 15 players on a standard contract for 2025-26, but Wiseman has only partial guarantees, while Bradley’s 2025-26 salary is not guaranteed.
After four seasons of play, the 2025-26 campaign could be a great time for Jackson to become a consistent starter for Indiana.
