Former KU wing Johnny Furphy signs NBA rookie contract with Indiana Pacers

Former Kansas basketball wing Johnny Furphy, a second-round pick of the Indiana Pacers in the 2024 NBA Draft, has signed his first NBA contract with the Eastern Conference team.

The Pacers on Saturday officially announced completion of a draft-night deal in which they acquired Furphy, the 35th overall selection, from San Antonio in exchange for Juan Nunez, the 36th overall pick in the draft and cash considerations. The Pacers’ general manager, Chad Buchanan, also announced the signing of Furphy.

It was also reported by Tony East of SI.com that Furphy, a 6-foot-8, 190-pound native of Melbourne, Australia, agreed to a standard four-year contract with the team. The rookie contract will pay Furphy $1.85 million in the first year and has a team option in the fourth year, East wrote on social media site X.

“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,” SI.com’s East wrote after Saturday’s Pacers summer league workout.

Pacers summer league coach Jannero Pargo was impressed with Furphy’s first practice as a Pacer.

“He shot the ball well, he played hard,” Pargo told the Indy Star. “That’s our main focus. He looked good today. He’s young. We have an opportunity to get our hands on him and help him grow in our organization and teach him things that we value and things we want out of our players. He shoots it pretty well already. He has great size and great instincts and we’re just looking forward to learning with him.”

Of Furphy, Pacers forward Jarace Walker told the Indy Star: “He could shoot it and he’s taller than I thought, too. A tall guy who can shot is always valuable, so he brings a really good skill-set.”

Furphy said his goal for the upcoming Las Vegas summer league is “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.”

Indy Star reporter Dustin Dopirak wrote: “As young as he is, Furphy doesn’t have to be in a rush to make an impression. He knows this first Summer League is important, but he’s trying not to put too much pressure on it and just believing that his game will be a good fit.”