Indiana Pacers players and coaches discuss the Daniel Theis buyout and what comes next with roster spot

The Indiana Pacers moved on from center Daniel Theis on Wednesday. The big man agreed to a contract buyout with the team, and he was waived. Reports from other outlets indicate that Theis will join the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday if he clears waivers.

Theis battled through injuries during his time with the blue and gold and only played in eight games across two seasons. His lack of minutes was frustrating, but the Pacers always made logical decisions with their center rotation. There just wasn't ever a role for Theis despite his clear talent — he helped Germany win the FIBA Basketball World Cup this summer.

The 31-year old agreed to reduce his guaranteed salary with Indiana by his prorated minimum salary for the rest of the season beginning on Friday, a league source told AllPacers. The Pacers get some cap savings in the agreement, and they now have an open roster spot they can use at any point.

Theis appeared in one game this season, where he scored two points in a win over the Bucks. His contributions were needed defensively in the victory that night, but he was scarcely a needed resource for the blue and gold.

He was with the team Sunday in Philadelphia but was listed as out two days later. The following day, he was waived. "We all talked to him, and we were all able to say goodbye to him in person," Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle said of the departure. "I don't know the exact details, but there were enough rumblings about the possibility of an opportunity. This is a good one for him. We thanked him for his year with us. It was eventful."

Carlisle went on to discuss Theis' knee surgery last season and his professionalism. He battled for the backup center role this season, but it ultimately went to Jalen Smith.  "He competed great in training camp and he helped us win the Milwaukee game. This is now an opportunity for us to thank him, give him his respect, and wish him the best in the next endeavor," Carlisle said.

While Theis didn't do much on the court for Indiana, he was still a valuable veteran. In the last week alone, rookies Oscar Tshiebwe and Ben Sheppard have praised the German big man for being a helpful voice. 

Young center Isaiah Jackson echoed those comments on Thursday after the Pacers practiced. "He was like one of my vets. He helped me a lot, especially with like post work and knowing how to use your body," Jackson said of Theis.

"Me and Ty sits on the end of the bench and [Theis] used to sit right next to us. He was like the therapist, whenever you need to talk to him about something, he was there for us," Jackson added. He noted that Theis views his new situation as an opportunity. "That's my guy. I'm happy for him."

The Pacers now have about $9.6 million in maximum cap room. They are free to add a player at any time, but there are advantages to leaving the roster spot open. There is no wrong answer when it comes to the open spot.

A veteran could make sense on a non-guaranteed deal, but Indiana may just sit on the spot until they can sign players to 10-day contracts in January. Two-way contract players may be needed more for the Pacers now, and Tshiebwe is a center, so he moves up the depth chart with Theis gone. He could spend some time with the NBA club in the future, something Carlisle acknowledged the team would do if they had to. With Myles Turner, Jalen Smith, and Isaiah Jackson on the roster, he hasn't been needed.

"I'd say you have to talk to (President Of Basketball Operations) Kevin [Pritchard] and (General Manager) Chad [Buchanan]. I'd classify it as a definite maybe," Carlisle said when asked if the team would use the open roster spot.

Indiana and Theis now move on apart, which is the right choice for both parties. The Pacers lose some trade flexibility, but they still have plenty and will move forward with an open roster spot.