Even if Indiana holds onto Mike Dunleavy for the remainder of the season, he could sign elsewhere as a free agent this coming summer. Head coach Jim O’Brien said earlier this month that he hopes president Larry Bird and general manager David Morway re-sign Dunleavy, but Rush is still the likely future at the position.

“It’s a long way away and we’re trying to get through this season here, but obviously I love Indiana,” Dunleavy told RealGM when asked about O’Brien’s comments. “I love being a part of this team, but there’s a lot of stuff going on – collective bargaining and free agency – so it’s definitely hard to predict.”

Dunleavy arrived in Indiana nearly four years ago when the Pacers were just starting their lengthy rebuilding process. It appears as though they are finally starting to see the fruits of their labor.

“Yeah, we’re definitely heading in the right direction. They have players here now that they want to have here for a long time,” he said. “When I first came here they were kind of cleaning house, so it’s nice to be a part of the chance and hopefully I can see it through.”