Pacers Re-Sign Former No. 2 Pick James Wiseman to Two-Year Minimum Deal
By Marc Delucchi – July 9, 2025
The Indiana Pacers have officially re-signed center James Wiseman on Tuesday, who inked a two-year minimum-salary contract featuring a team option for 2026‑27. The announcement comes just one day after media outlets confirmed the deal, signaling the franchise’s continued belief in the 23-year-old’s upside despite his injury setbacks.
A Career of ‘What Ifs’
Drafted second overall in the 2020 NBA Draft by the Golden State Warriors, Wiseman earned a reputation as a once-in-a-generation talent, standing at 6’11” with immense athleticism and defensive versatility. However, injuries have derailed his path to stardom.
During his rookie season, he tore his right meniscus, then spent the entire 2021‑22 campaign rehabilitating. In 2022 he was traded to the Detroit Pistons, where he saw more consistent playing time—averaging 7.1 points and 5.3 rebounds during the 2023-24 campaign—but never truly hit his stride.
In the summer of 2024, Wiseman joined the Pacers on a two-year, minimum contract with only $500,000 guaranteed, and a team option for the second year . Unfortunately, his tentative progress was cut short when he ruptured his left Achilles tendon only minutes into the regular-season opener on October 23, 2024, against the Detroit Pistons . He underwent surgery shortly thereafter and remained sidelined, spending the season on the mend.
A Temporary Trade That Aimed to Help
In February 2025, Wiseman was part of a salary-clearing move to Toronto in exchange for a 2026 second-round pick and cash .The Raptors, looking to absorb a cap hit and perhaps take a flier on his recovery, ultimately waived him. With the contract fully guaranteed due to his injury—standard NBA policy in such cases—the Pacers now have regained a familiar big man on a familiar deal
A Strategic Gamble for Indiana
This signing reflects both optimism and pragmatic roster management. The two-year minimum deal comes with a team option for Year 2, mirroring last year’s structur
. It places little risk on the organization: if Wiseman returns to form, the Pacers hold control over his rights; if not, they can let him walk.
The front office is counting on recovery from Achilles injuries—which have seen notable rehabilitation success—while carefully managing salary flexibility. During the 2024‑25 season, they navigated several roster moves, including the mid-season trade of Wiseman, to maintain luxury tax relief and create cap space ahead of signing Pascal Siakam and facilitating a Finals run
A Crowded Center Room—and Opportunity
Indiana’s frontcourt looks significantly altered since last season, with Myles Turner departing via free agency. In his stead, the Pacers have added centers Tony Bradley and Jay Huff, while Isaiah Jackson recovered from his own Achilles injury. Despite this depth, Wiseman offers something different—a rare blend of size, mobility, and rim-rolling offetn
His return will intensify competition for backup center minutes and the coveted third spot. Coach Rick Carlisle has historically rotated multiple big men successfully; Wiseman’s unique profile could vault him ahead of peers like Bradley or Jackson, assuming he’s regained health.
What Lies Ahead
Wiseman is expected to spend this offseason rehabbing at the team’s medical facility, ideally targeting a full return sometime after autumn. The organization, medical staff, and player are reportedly aligned on a structured program like they were last year .
If he can regain form, Wiseman offers the Pacers shot-blocking,-sealing rebounds, and occasional pick-and-pop ability, augmenting their frontcourt rotation and relieving pressure from Jackson and Bradley.
Perhaps most importantly, his return will send a message: the Pacers are invested in development and willing to see projects through.
Bottom Line: Indiana’s re-signing of James Wiseman is a calculated low-risk, high-upside move. With his second achilles rehab underway, the center could carve out a meaningful role as a rotational big man—provided he regains health and consistency. The two-year minimum deal gives the team flexibility while offering Wiseman a renewed opportunity to prove himself
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