Pacers’ qualifying offer to Obi Toppin will be a restricted free agent

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Pacers submitted a qualifying offer for forward Obi Toppin on Wednesday, a league source said. Pacers on SI. As a result, Toppin will be a restricted free agent this offseason.

Toppin, 26, was traded to the Pacers last summer by the New York Knicks for two second-round picks. Indiana believed he would be a transition weapon, and he became more than that – his shooting and rebounding were valuable. Toppin made 40.3 percent of his outside shots and averaged 10.3 points per game.

At the end of the season, his rookie contract expired. But the Pacers had the option to extend Toppin a qualifying offer to make him a restricted free agent, and they chose to do so. Now, Indiana will have the right of first refusal in free agency this offseason – if Toppin signs a contract with another team, the Pacers will have a chance to match the deal and keep Toppin on their roster.

“He exceeded everything we hoped he would be. And then on the field, I thought he really blossomed as the year went on. We imagined him being in good shape with a team that played fast, and he was exactly that, “Pacers general manager Chad Buchanan said of Toppin.

Toppin was a key part of the playoffs for the blue and gold. He averaged 10.9 points per game on the biggest stage and played multiple positions, proving his versatility. He made over 67% of his two-point shots in the playoffs.

He fits naturally into the Pacers’ style, so it’s no surprise the team wants him to be a restricted free agent. Buchanan said the franchise would like to continue its partnership with Toppin beyond the offseason if possible. “Very happy with this adjustment. He seems to be happy here too,” the general manager said. “I’d like to continue the relationship, that’s part of the business when you find yourself in a contract situation. But I’m really happy with Obi as a Pacer.” The qualifying offer is a one-year contract worth $7.74 million, and Toppin could sign it at any time if he wanted.

As an outgoing free agent from the Pacers, Indiana and Toppin can begin negotiating a new contract at any time. Free agency opens on June 30 and contracts can be officially signed on July 6.