3 players unlikely to return with the Indiana Pacers for the 2021-22 NBA season

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#2 Doug McDermott

Indiana Pacers forward Doug McDermott

Doug McDermott could be one of the most intriguing free agents on the market this offseason. The Indiana Pacers forward is coming off the back of a career-year in which he averaged 13.6 points and 3.3 rebounds in 24 minutes per game. As with most Pacers players this year, he struggled defensively.

However, by shooting at 53% from the field and 38.8% from beyond the arc, the 29-year-old had a career-best 3.1 offensive win share.

Doug McDermott and the Pacers are feeling it early 🔥 pic.twitter.com/7XORmX9inL

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 18, 2021

McDermott's bird rights sit with the Indiana Pacers, therefore they will likely make a concerted effort to keep him in the summer. However, with teams around the NBA needing high-volume and accurate three-point shooters, the versatile forward is expected to receive some lucrative offers.

Considering the potential upheaval on the roster, the former 11th overall pick could see this as an opportunity to join a winning side.

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#3 Jeremy Lamb

Jeremy Lamb has had a difficult time with the Indiana Pacers

Jeremy Lamb has been a reliable bailout option for the Indiana Pacers off the bench as a knockdown scorer who can deal with tough defensive sets with his mid-range game. However, his time with the franchise has also been fraught and his playing time has been limited since he tore his ACL last season.

This year, he played just 36 games, eight of which he started, and averaged 10 points while shooting at over 40% from downtown and 43% from the field. While he is a perfect fit for the Indiana Pacers' second unit, he is on an expiring deal and there are several younger players on the roster who could usurp him for more minutes next season.

The Pacers will know they can get decent value for him in the market despite his $10m contract, thanks to his experience and effectiveness off the bench. Despite his recent injury troubles, teams will see him as worth a punt even if it's just for one year.