Copyright MassLive
Former Celtics forward Aaron Nesmith has signed a two-year extension with the Indiana Pacers four months after a run to the NBA Finals. The deal will be worth $40.4 million over two years according to ESPN’s Shams Charania and includes a trade kicker. Nesmith remains under contract already for the next two seasons so the extension won’t kick in until the 2027-28 season. The 6’5’’ wing will be under contract with the Pacers through the 2028-29 season. “Aaron Nesmith embodies our team’s selfless, fast-paced style of play while also playing a key role in defining our culture, all of which is a testament to his talent, dedication, and commitment to this organization and our fans,” said Pacers President of Basketball Operations Kevin Pritchard in a team release. “We look forward to Aaron’s continued growth and contributions to both our team and our community, and we’re proud to have reached an agreement that will keep him here in Indiana.” The Celtics drafted Nesmith, 26, with the No. 14 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft and sept two years with the team before he was traded to Indiana in the summer of 2022 as part of a package for Malcolm Brogdon. Nesmith has taken advantage of more opportunity in Indiana over the past three years, including a breakout performance last season when he shot 49.2 percent from 3-point range during the Pacers run to Game 7 of the NBA Finals. With Pacers star point guard Tyrese Haliburton sidelined this year due to an Achilles tear, Nesmith looks set to take on an expanded role within Rick Carlisle’s offense to make up for Haliburton’s absence and the loss of Myles Turner in free agency. The Celtics will face Nesmith and the Pacers for the first time this season on Dec. 22.
