David West will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason but has not given free agency much thought. Even so, the Indiana Pacers want to keep West and believe they can afford him.

“I’ll address that at the end of the season and focus on finishing this year as best as possible,” West said Saturday after contributing 11 points and 12 rebounds to the Pacers’ 82-71 victory over New York at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. “But I love it here, love this group of guys, this environment, love the core group that we have. This group only has room to get better.”

West has established himself as the Pacers' veteran leader and integral starting power forward. The Pacers have $49 million committed in player salaries for next season.

“This group, the mix of young guys that we have," West said, "and obviously the character of these guys, what these guys are, it fits me, so …"