J. Michael | IndyStar

Mike Williams, For IndyStar

The 2019-20 option on Edmond Sumner hasn't been picked up by the Indiana Pacers, league source tell IndyStar, because he and the team are discussing a longer term deal.

Sumner, who recently had his two-way contract converted, had a team option at $1.5 million that the Pacers had to pick up by the end of the month.

I always kept the faith 🙏🏾 — Edmond Sumner (@EdmondSumner) June 28, 2019

Tearing up his current deal and renegotiating a new one for a longer term suggests the Pacers are convinced that Sumner is ready to take the leap and be a regular contributor. If the Pacers picked up the option, Sumner would become a free agent next summer.

Matt Kryger/IndyStar

Though this was his second season under contract, he was a rookie after appearing in just one game in 2017-18. He had to recover from a knee injury suffered at Xavier.

Sumner appeared in 23 games for the Pacers last season, making two starts after Victor Oladipo was lost for the year due to a right knee injury Jan. 23.

A 6-6 combo guard who is projected to play at small forward by coach Nate McMillan, too, Sumner averaged 2.9 points.

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Along with Aaron Holiday, also a rookie last season, Sumner represents the future for the Pacers but will have to develop a consistent jump shot and add weight (he's listed at 176 pounds) to compete for an 82-game season.