Indianapolis, IN – In a move that is set to shake up the NBA landscape, Trayce Jackson-Davis, the star forward from Indiana University, has signed a 4-year contract deal with the Indiana Pacers.
The deal, which is reportedly worth $80 million, includes a player option for the fourth year and a 15% trade kicker. Jackson-Davis, who was widely regarded as one of the top prospects in the 2024 NBA draft, had been heavily courted by several teams, including the Pacers, Chicago Bulls, and New York Knicks.
“We are thrilled to welcome Trayce to the Pacers family,” said Pacers president of basketball operations, Kevin Pritchard. “He is an incredibly talented player who possesses a unique combination of size, skill, and athleticism. We believe he has the potential to be a cornerstone player for our franchise for years to come.”
Jackson-Davis, who averaged 18.3 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game during his junior season at Indiana University, is expected to make an immediate impact for the Pacers.
“I’m excited to start my NBA career with the Pacers,” Jackson-Davis said. “I’m looking forward to learning from the coaching staff and my teammates, and to contributing to the team’s success in any way I can.”
The Pacers, who have been rebuilding their roster over the past few seasons, are hoping that Jackson-Davis will be a key piece in their quest to return to the playoffs.
“We’re building a young core of talented players, and Trayce is a big part of that,” said Pacers head coach, Rick Carlisle. “We’re excited to see him grow and develop as a player, and to see the impact he can make on our team.”
Jackson-Davis is expected to join the Pacers for their summer league games and will likely be a key contributor to the team’s rotation during the upcoming season.
The signing of Jackson-Davis is a major coup for the Pacers, who have been working to rebuild their roster and return to contention in the Eastern Conference.
“We’re thrilled to have Trayce on board,” said Pritchard. “We believe he has the potential to be a franchise-changing player, and we’re excited to see him in a Pacers uniform.”
_Jackson-Davis’ Journey to the NBA_
Jackson-Davis’ journey to the NBA has been a long and winding one. A native of Greenwood, Indiana, Jackson-Davis grew up playing basketball in the state’s highly competitive high school ranks. He earned numerous accolades during his high school career, including being named the Indiana Mr. Basketball in 2020.
Jackson-Davis then went on to play for Indiana University, where he quickly established himself as one of the top players in the Big Ten Conference. During his three-year career with the Hoosiers, Jackson-Davis averaged 16.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game, earning numerous All-American honors and helping to lead the team to two NCAA Tournament appearances.
“I’m grateful for the opportunities I had at Indiana University,” Jackson-Davis said. “Playing in the Big Ten was an incredible experience, and it helped prepare me for the next level. I’m excited to take the lessons I learned in college and apply them to my professional career.”
_What to Expect from Jackson-Davis in the NBA_
Jackson-Davis is expected to make an immediate impact for the Pacers, bringing a unique combination of size, skill, and athleticism to the table. At 6-9 and 230 pounds, Jackson-Davis has the size and strength to play both inside and outside, and his versatility is expected to be a major asset for the Pacers.
“Trayce is a talented young player who has a lot of potential,” said Carlisle. “He’s got the size and skill to play multiple positions, and he’s a hard worker who is always looking to improve. We’re excited to see him develop and grow as a player.”
Jackson-Davis is also expected to be a major factor on the defensive end, where his length and athleticism should allow him to guard multiple positions.
“Trayce is a versatile defender who can guard both inside and outside,” said Carlisle. “He’s got the length and athleticism to contest shots and protect the rim, and he’s also got the quickness and agility to stay in front of smaller players. He’s going to be a major asset for us on the defensive end.”
_The Future Looks Bright for the Pacers_
With the addition of Jackson-Davis, the Pacers are looking to build a young and talented core that can compete for years to come. Along with Jackson-Davis, the Pacers have a number of other young players, including guard Bennedict Mathurin and forward Isaiah Jackson, who are expected to be major contributors in the years to come.
“We’re excited about the future of our franchise,” said Pritchard. “We’ve got a young and talented core of players, and we’re confident that we can build a team that can compete for championships in the years to come.”
With Jackson-Davis on board, the Pacers are looking to take the next step in their rebuilding process. And with a talented young core and a commitment to building a winning culture, the future looks bright for the Pacers.
