T.J. Ford has been replaced in Indiana's rotation by second-year point guard A.J. Price in the latest of a long line of demotions.

Price is serving as Darren Collison's backup.

In Ford's three seasons with the Pacers, he's been demoted three times.

"It wasn't anything that was discussed to me," Ford said. "It kind of just happened. Going into the season, I felt at some point it would happen. In my view, I'm not too surprised. Just a little shocked it happened right now."

Ford has an $8.5 million expiring contract, which the Pacers are expected to try and trade.

He declined Indiana's offer to buy out his contract for about $3 million less than his current salary last summer.

He's now receptive to a trade.

"By making the decision (of sitting me), I would hope that's the case," he said. "I don't see why it would be best for me to be here the whole year. That's their call. Either way it goes, I'm here and I'm going to still stay ready because anything can happen at any given moment."

Despite the demotion, Ford is actively professionally.

"Pretty much, I understand that the time is up here," he said. "I can just sit here. I was in the same situation last year. I'll continue to cheer guys on because I want to see A.J. and Lance do well. They're part of the future. Under the circumstances, I'll still come to work every day and be professional about it."