The Indiana Pacers fell short in Game 7 of the NBA Finals.

Without T.J. McConnell, the Pacers likely wouldn't have advanced so far in the series, let alone competed for the title.

Amid the disappointment from the loss, there's a positive note for the Pacers.

They have McConnell under contract for several more years.

This was the first year of his four-year, $44.8 million deal.

For the 2025-26 season, it features an $11 million cap hit, followed by $11.8 million for both 2027-28 and 2028-29, with the latter as a club option.

The Pacers don't need to act on McConnell for the next few years; extending him now seems like a smart choice.

Post-Finals, major news involves Tyrese Haliburton, who may have an Achilles tear, potentially sidelining him for most of next season.

McConnell, not typically a full-time starter, could now take on that role if Haliburton is out.

At around $11 million per year for the next three years, McConnell appears to be a strong bargain for the Pacers.