Indiana Pacers and center Daniel Theis heading toward contract buyout

Theis' time with the Pacers could end soon

The Indiana Pacers and center Daniel Theis are working toward a contract buyout that would make Theis a free agent, multiple sources confirmed to AllPacers. Fieldhouse Files, ESPN, and The Athletic all had previously reported that such a transaction was being finalized.

Theis, according to reports, will sign with the Los Angeles Clippers if he clears waivers. The waiver process takes 48 hours and doesn't start until the Pacers officially waive the German big man.

Recently, the 31-year old center expressed displeasure with his role. He only has one appearance this season — Theis played for 8:26 against Milwaukee last Thursday — and has only played in eight regular season games for the blue and gold since being traded to the franchise in the summer of 2022. Injuries and the direction of the team played a part in Theis having such a small role, but it had to be frustrating for the veteran center.

"I don't blame him, he shouldn't be happy with it," Indiana head coach Rick Carlisle said of Theis not being thrilled with his minutes. "I don't want guys on the team that are happy not playing."

Reports began to surface last week that the Clippers, who lost Mason Plumlee due to injury recently, were interested in Theis. They need size, and center depth, desperately and have lost six games in a row.

The Pacers agreeing to a buyout this early in the season with Theis is interesting. His unhappy state may be a factor, but his salary could have been useful in trades as the season progressed. His salary for the ongoing season is just over $9 million, and his current deal has a team option for next season, meaning he could be viewed as an expiring contract.

In a buyout, Theis will likely agree to have his guaranteed salary this season reduced. Often, that salary number is dropped by the amount of money the player will receive from their new team. Perhaps those possible money savings, as well as an open roster spot, were big enough motivators for Indiana to work through an agreement now. When the buyout amount is known, the intentions of all parties will be more clear.

If Theis does have his guaranteed salary reduced in a buyout, the Pacers will clear some salary cap space. They will also have an open roster spot that they could use to sign a player or absorb someone in a trade.

Theis averaged 6.4 points and 2.8 rebounds per game for the Pacers across two seasons. Players, including rookie Ben Sheppard very recently, have cited him as a useful veteran presence.

The Pacers roster, once this buyout is finalized, will stand at 14 players and three two-way deals.

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