'Likely an overpay': Pacers free agency grades for Bruce Brown ...

The Pacers made some moves on Day 1 of free agency.

Bruce Brown, fresh off an NBA championship run with the Nuggets, signed a two-year contract worth $45 million with a team option for the second year. Another move Indiana made was more expected, but a major deal nonetheless.

Franchise player Tyrese Haliburton agreed to a five-year deal worth up to $260 million, which will take effect at the start of the 2024-25 season. The move makes him the highest-paid Pacers player ever.

Find out how these moves were viewed by the national media:

"Two years and $45 million was an overpay for Brown. But the Pacers had cap space to spend, and they will be able to re-sign him to a new deal with Bird Rights down the line. Their free agent dollars don't go as far as a team like the Lakers, so they did what they had to do to get their guy. The team option in Year 2 gives them plenty of flexibility too.

"The Pacers also gave Tyrese Haliburton a much-earned maximum extension that will give him up to $280 million over the next five seasons."

"Cap restrictions limited the Denver Nuggets to a starting salary of $7.8 million for Bruce Brown, if he'd chosen to return. So, when you see that the Indiana Pacers offered an average salary over $20 million, it's not hard to understand Brown's decision to leave the champs.

"For Indiana, the infusion of Brown's defense, competitiveness, off-ball movement and ability to create a little in a pinch should push the Pacers closer to a playoff spot.

"And though they have Bennedict Mathurin, there's a good chance Brown could start in the backcourt alongside Tyrese Haliburton, a role he wouldn't have had in Denver."

NBA free agency:After signing Bruce Brown, what's next for Pacers?

Haliburton signing: A

"This was always coming with the way he’s thrived and become an All-Star since joining Indiana. Some will bristle at the money sum, but this is the going rate for a franchise lead guard in the NBA. He’s already proven he’s worth that kind of reward for his services, and it’s good to see the Pacers lock up their future with him."

Brown signing: B

"This is likely an overpay on annual money, but good for Brown. People were scoffing at the idea of him commanding $20 million per season, and he got more than that. People were trying to jump through economic hoops to show how the money for him staying with Denver could end up being significant over four years, and he got essentially the same money over two years. Brown is a very valuable role player and can bring some much needed ability on both sides of the ball to Indiana."