INDIANAPOLIS, IN - APRIL 20: Bojan Bogdanovic #44 of the Indiana Pacers reacts after making a three-pointer against the Cleveland Cavaliers during game three of the NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on April 20, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Pacers won 92-90. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Bojan Bogdanovic

A history of the Pacers and the Most Improved Player Award by Tony East

The Indiana Pacers plan on letting Bojan Bogdanovic’s contract become guaranteed on June 29th and keeping him as around as a small forward.

The Indiana Pacers currently plan to retain Bojan Bogdanovic — whose contract is only partially guaranteed for next season — and would be comfortable going into next season with him as a starter, according to a source familiar with the Pacers offseason plans.

On June 29th, his contract becomes guaranteed.

Bojan was a key starter last year on a team that exceeded expectations, making his mark as an outside shooting threat who scored 14.3 points a game while making headlines with seven 3-pointers in Game 3 against the Cleveland Cavs.

While his age (29) means he may not be a long-term answer on the wing, his salary is in line with his production. His 4.8 3-point attempts a game were second only to Victor Oladipo and he shot 40.2 percent from deep, giving the Pacers a much-needed shooting threat on the floor.

Bojan’s due $10.5 million for next season, but with it being an expiring contract, it also makes Bogdanovic a possible trade chip for Indiana.

When he came to the Pacers, there was a mild surprise as Nate McMillan clearly put Bogdanovic as the starter in preseason rotations. While he certainly had the resume of a starter, it wasn’t apparent how well he would fit into the Pacers lineup due to his defense.

But Bojan quickly proved his worth as he posted career-highs in points and his field goal percentages. He turned out to be an average defender as the Pacers were the biggest surprise of the season and marched to 48 wins and a very competitive first-round series with the Cavaliers.

With Bojan’s contract becoming guaranteed next week, the Pacers cap space looks to be all but gone unless Thaddeus Young opts out before the end of the month.

And for Bojan, he gets the chance to show Indiana (or whoever is interested in signing him next season) that last season wasn’t an anomaly. With a team prioritizing winning and not tanking, Bogdanovic proved he is worthy of being a starter in the NBA.

Update: Yahoo’s Shams Charania confirmed the news on Friday.