Pacers Declined Comment on Player Extensions

General manager Chad Buchanan remained silent on contract talks at the team's Foundation Invitational.

Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Basketball

Pacers Declined Comment on Player Extensions

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Indiana Pacers general manager Chad Buchanan declined to discuss potential contract extensions for core players during a recent team event. The organization maintains a strict policy of keeping all contract negotiations confidential.

Why it matters

Management aims to evaluate performance and team needs throughout the season before finalizing extensions. This approach allows the front office to handle business negotiations privately out of respect for players and their agents.

Eight Pacers players are currently eligible for contract extensions following a 19-63 season. Pascal Siakam is eligible for a three-year extension worth up to $207 million.

The players

Chad Buchanan

He serves as the general manager for the Indiana Pacers.

Pascal Siakam

He is a core player for the Indiana Pacers who is eligible for a major contract extension.

Jarace Walker

He is an Indiana Pacers player who appeared in 76 games during the 2025-26 season.

Ben Sheppard

He is an Indiana Pacers player who averaged 7.1 points per game last season.

The details

The Pacers face an October 19 deadline to finalize rookie-scale extensions for Jarace Walker and Ben Sheppard. Walker appeared in 76 games last season, averaging 11.6 points and 5.1 rebounds, while Sheppard averaged 7.1 points per game.

October 19, 2026: Deadline for rookie-scale extensions for Walker and Sheppard.
October 21, 2026: Start of the NBA regular season.

Season Trajectory

The Pacers are currently navigating the NBA rookie-scale extension deadline, mirroring a standard league-wide procedural hurdle for developing talent. This timeline dictates whether the team retains its youth core or shifts toward potential midseason trades.

Failure to reach extensions for Jarace Walker and Ben Sheppard by October 19 could lead to them being traded during the upcoming season. These roster decisions will directly impact the Pacers' long-term depth and salary cap flexibility.

The takeaway

The team's reliance on internal evaluation suggests a cautious approach to roster construction following a difficult previous season. Fans and stakeholders should monitor the October 19 deadline as a primary indicator of the front office's long-term vision.