Pacers at Grizzlies, 8 p.m. Saturday, Fox Sports Indiana

INDIANAPOLIS -- Edmond Sumner is rejoining the Indiana Pacers from the G-League Mad Ants after a season-ending injury to Victor Oladipo. But while it's unclear how long Sumner will stay in the short-term, what's becoming clear is that he'll eventually be converted from his two-way deal to an NBA contract.

Most of the decision hinges on Sumner's health, multiple league sources tell IndyStar, not whether the 6-6 combo guard has enough talent.

At some point in 2019 -- before this season ends or going into next season, when the Pacers' roster is expected to have a hefty turnover because of expiring contracts -- Sumner's deal is expected to be converted.

Davon Reed, a 6-6 shooting guard, is the Pacers' other two-way player. They can spend a maximum of 45 days in the NBA, including practices. Once they reach that threshold, the player has to be given a full deal to remain with his parent club or stay in the G-League the rest of the season.

Sumner was drafted in the 2017 in the second round. He was unable to play immediately because he was recovering from a torn left knee ligament suffered during his sophomore year at Xavier.

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The injury to Oladipo triggers Sumner's return. The Pacers have shifted Tyreke Evans into the starting lineup and rookie Aaron Holiday moves back into the second unit with Cory Joseph. Holiday initially dazzled in those 11 games Oladipo sat with a sore right knee from Nov. 19-Dec. 10, but he has cooled.

The bench needs another guard.

Sumner spent a lot of time with the Pacers early in the season before being optioned back to Fort Wayne. He has made nine appearances and has been with the team for 22 games. The added practice time puts him near 45 days.

“We like him," McMillan told IndyStar before their first road game at the Milwaukee Bucks. "We like what he’s done in training camp and we want to try to keep him here as much as possible.”

There are plenty options outside of Sumner, of course, pending the Feb. 7 trade deadline or the buyout market.

That's where the Pacers found Trevor Booker last season to help with rebounding down the stretch.