*PACERS STAR THREATENS TO LEAVE IF MASSIVE RAISE ISN’T INCLUDED IN CONTRACT EXTENSION**
*August 12, 2025 — Indianapolis, IN*
In a dramatic turn of events that could shake up the Indiana Pacers’ future, All-Star forward Jalen “J.R.” Rivers is reportedly seeking a substantial raise in his upcoming contract extension — and is threatening to leave the team if his demands aren’t met.
Sources close to the 26-year-old phenom told *The Indy Sentinel* that Rivers is growing increasingly frustrated with the Pacers’ front office, citing what he believes is a lack of urgency in rewarding his elite-level performance with a contract that reflects his market value.
“J.R. feels disrespected,” said one league insider familiar with the negotiations. “He’s been the face of the franchise since he was drafted. He’s delivered All-Star appearances, playoff runs, and jersey sales through the roof. But when it comes to getting paid like a top-10 player, the organization is dragging its feet.”
Rivers, who averaged 27.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game last season, is entering the final year of his rookie max extension — a four-year, \$128 million deal he signed in 2021. With player salaries ballooning across the league and comparable stars landing deals north of \$60 million annually, Rivers is reportedly seeking a supermax contract in the realm of 5 years and \$310 million.
According to multiple sources, the Pacers have offered a lucrative extension but fell short of the supermax. The front office, led by General Manager Kelvin Marks, is reportedly hesitant to commit that kind of long-term capital to a single player, especially given concerns about luxury tax implications and future flexibility.
However, Rivers’ camp isn’t buying it.
“Look at what he’s done,” said Rivers’ agent, Mason Caldwell. “He’s made All-NBA Second Team, led the team to two straight playoff appearances, and has elevated his game every single year. If Indiana won’t reward that, there are plenty of teams that will.”
The situation has escalated behind the scenes over the past few weeks, culminating in Rivers allegedly telling team executives during a closed-door meeting last Friday that he would “explore all options, including a trade request or free agency” if a deal isn’t reached before training camp begins in late September.
Fans have already begun reacting on social media, with #PayJalen trending across X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday morning. Many fans are rallying behind the star, demanding ownership open its wallet to keep the franchise cornerstone in Indianapolis.
“I don’t care how much it costs — pay the man!” wrote user @BlueAndGoldTilIDie. “We’ve waited years for a player like J.R., and now we might lose him over a few million?”
Others, however, are siding with the team, expressing concerns about tying up too much cap space in one player.
“If we max him out and still can’t build around him, what’s the point?” argued @IndyCapologist. “This is a team sport.”
Meanwhile, Rivers has been relatively quiet publicly, only posting a cryptic message on Instagram over the weekend: a photo of him walking out of Gainbridge Fieldhouse with the caption, “Decisions, decisions…”
The Pacers have yet to release an official statement on the matter, though multiple league sources say internal discussions are “intense” and “ongoing.”
With the clock ticking and pressure mounting, the next few weeks could prove critical in determining the direction of the franchise. If Rivers walks — or worse, demands a trade — it would mark a seismic shift for a team that has built its identity around his explosive play and leadership.
For now, Pacers fans wait — and hope — that the two sides can find common ground before things spiral further.