Point guard Travis Diener said on Friday that he will return to the Pacers next season.

Diener could have opted out of his contract and become a free agent. He will make $1.7 million next season.

"I like playing for coach (Jim) O'Brien," Diener told the Indianapolis Star. "He has a system that fits my style, and I'm looking forward to returning to a team that is going in the right direction."