Former Kansas basketball wing Johnny Furphy, selected by the Indiana Pacers in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft, has finalized his debut NBA contract with the team from the Eastern Conference. The Pacers officially confirmed on Saturday the completion of a draft-night trade acquiring Furphy, who was the 35th overall pick, from San Antonio. In exchange, Juan Nunez, the 36th pick, along with cash considerations, headed to the Spurs. Pacers General Manager Chad Buchanan also announced Furphy’s signing.
According to Tony East of SI.com, Furphy, a 6-foot-8, 190-pound native of Melbourne, Australia, agreed to a standard four-year contract with the Pacers. The rookie deal will start with a salary of $1.85 million in the first year and includes a team option for the fourth year, East reported on social media platform X.
East also noted that Furphy has already caught the eye of the Pacers with his off-ball movement and instincts. “Johnny Furphy’s off-ball movement and instincts have impressed the Pacers so far. He’s motivated to show those skills and more after falling to the second round,” East wrote following the Pacers’ summer league practice on Saturday.
Pacers summer league coach Jannero Pargo expressed positivity about Furphy’s initial practice session with the team, telling the Indy Star, “He shot the ball well, he played hard. That’s our main focus. He looked good today.” Pargo highlighted the opportunity to develop Furphy within the organization, emphasizing his shooting ability, size, and instincts as valuable assets.
Echoing Pargo’s sentiments, Pacers forward Jarace Walker commented to the Indy Star, “He could shoot it and he’s taller than I thought, too. A tall guy who can shoot is always valuable, so he brings a really good skill-set.”
Looking ahead to the upcoming Las Vegas summer league, Furphy shared his goals with Indy Star reporter Dustin Dopirak, saying, “Just establishing myself. Getting to know everyone, getting everyone to trust who I am as a player, but just enjoy it. It’s super special just being here.” Dopirak noted that despite Furphy’s youth, he understands the importance of this initial summer league experience and aims to let his game speak for itself without putting undue pressure on himself.
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