Former Chicago Bulls point guard Aaron Brooks. (Photo : Getty Images)
The Indiana Pacers are reportedly close to signing free agent point guard Aaron Brooks to a one-year deal at a still undisclosed amount.
Yahoo Sports reported that the 31-year-old, eight-year pro is "in advanced discussions on a one-year deal with the Indiana Pacers" after he finished his previous one-year, $2.25 million contract with the Chicago Bulls and became an unrestricted free agent this summer.
Brooks has not thrived under the system of new head coach Fred Hoiberg as he was utilized for only 16.1 minutes per game in 69 games in 2015-2016 as compared to the 23.0 minutes under Coach Tom Thibodeau in the previous year.
As a result, he averaged only 7.1 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 2.6 assists last season, one of the lowest in his career, as he went from a reliable backup to Derrick Rose in the earlier season to being a virtually dispensable player.
With the Pacers, the 2010 NBA Most Improved Player awardee is expected to resume his quality backup floor general role and prolific off-the-bench scoring behind newly-acquired starting number one guard Jeff Teague together with sophomore playmaker Joseph Young.
The Indy Star noted that team president Larry Bird is ready to get back in contention in the Eastern Conference next season and is keen on signing another free agent this summer. Indiana could give Brooks $9 million next season at the most before they run out of cap space.
"We're open-minded to looking at all our positions," said Bird. "I think our starters are petty well set, but if we can improve somehow, we'll try to do that."
The report mentioned, though, that if Brooks' signing pushes through then there "would almost certainly end any chance of Lance Stephenson rejoining the team". Bird himself said that he is not "optimistic" about the likelihood of the club bringing back the mercurial wingman.
"If it's the right situation and you have the right combination of players, I think you'd take Lance back. He's a special player, we know him and we've seen what he can do. But right now I'd say it's a very slim chance," the Hall of Famer said.
As of the moment, the Pacers already have a complete 15-man roster and signing Brooks would mean that they have to let go of one of their existing players. Shayne Whittington is currently the only player that does not have a fully guaranteed contract, which could mean he is set to exit the team to give way to Brooks.
