Two Indiana Pacers Ex-Players Return on 2-Year Deals with Surprising Caveat Attached

In a surprising but welcome move for fans, the Indiana Pacers have announced the return of two familiar faces to the roster — former players Myles Turner and T.J. McConnell — each signing two-year contracts that include a unique caveat: both players will also serve in player-mentor hybrid roles as part of the organization’s new leadership initiative.

The move, which comes amid the Pacers’ push to blend youth and veteran experience in preparation for a serious playoff run, marks a significant shift in team culture. While Turner and McConnell bring undeniable experience on the court, their contracts also include leadership responsibilities, such as assisting in developmental sessions, mentoring rookies, and contributing to strategic planning alongside the coaching staff.

“We’re not just bringing them back for what they can do on the floor,” said Pacers GM Chad Buchanan. “We’re bringing them back because they represent everything we want our young players to learn and become.”

Turner, once the team’s defensive anchor, and McConnell, a fan-favorite known for hustle and heart, will also rotate responsibilities with the coaching staff during practices and pre-game film reviews — a move rarely seen in standard player contracts.

Fans have embraced the return with enthusiasm, calling it a smart blend of nostalgia and forward-thinking. With Indiana’s young core led by Bennedict Mathurin and others, having seasoned veterans like Turner and McConnell guiding them could prove to be a game-changing strategy.

As the Pacers prepare for the next chapter, the return of these two beloved figures offers both emotional lift and tactical depth — with a twist that could reshape how teams build leadership from within.