Indiana chose the 29-year-old big man with the 11th overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft. He twice led the NBA in blocks.

Isaiah Jackson is coming off an Achilles injury of his own suffered on opening night and is a restricted free agent. James Wiseman, who was signed prior to last season, suffered an Achilles injury the same week and missed the entire season. He was traded to Toronto, then cut, but has been working out with the Pacers since.

His reps let Indiana know his feelings with his two-year, $40.9 million deal expiring, per ESPN, but the Pacers had some reservations regarding the luxury tax, especially with star guard Tyrese Haliburton potentially missing the entire 2025-26 season after tearing his Achilles in Game 7.