There are underdog stories. And then there’s T. J. McConnell. A 6’1″ guard who didn’t even look like a varsity player in high school, let alone an NBA one, somehow carved out a ten-year career in the world’s toughest basketball league. No hype. No headlines. Just relentless hustle. And now? He’s not just sticking around. With an eight-digit number, T.J. McConnell’s Contract is one of the five top contracts on the Pacers’ bench. 

McConnell’s journey is the kind of story that fans fall in love with. It’s about grit over glamour, defense over dunks. And in 2025, that grind has translated into a sweet financial reality. The Pacers veteran is living proof that doing the little things right, consistently, can land you big rewards.

What is T.J. McConnell’s contract with the Indiana Pacers?

The Indiana Pacers didn’t just keep McConnell around out of loyalty. They doubled down because they need what he brings to the floor. Back in 2021, the team rewarded him with a four-year, $35 million deal. No fluff. Just solid money for a solid piece of their core.

Fast forward to 2025, and the Pacers are still all-in. They’ve signed him to a fresh veteran extension, locking him in through the 2028 season. The numbers? Four years, $44.8 million, with a cool $26.2 million guaranteed. Here’s a breakdown of McConnell’s yearly salary based on his current contract.

It was signed using Bird Rights, which allowed Indiana to go over the cap to keep their guy. This deal isn’t just about money. It’s about identity. McConnell isn’t just another guard. He’s the culture guy. The spark plug. The leader behind the scenes. Indiana is building something with its young core, and they clearly see McConnell as the steady vet who can keep things grounded.

What is TJ McConnell’s Net worth in 2025? 

Let’s talk numbers.  For the 2024–25 NBA season, McConnell is pulling in $9.3 million, which pushes his net worth to $45 million. Not too shabby for someone once called a “water boy” by doubters at Duquesne. But it only gets better. In 2025–26, that jumps to $10.2 million. By 2026–27, he’s slated to earn $11 million flat.

TJ McConnell’s Career Earnings

All told, his career earnings from NBA contracts have now crossed $45 million. And if he’s guaranteed the entire deal of his newly signed contract his career earnings are set touch $89.8 million. That’s a massive haul for a guy who went undrafted and had to claw his way into the league. He didn’t come in with hype, but every dollar he’s earned has been the result of pure grind. Let’s see a breakdown of McConnell’s career earnings until 2025.

What’s wild is that McConnell is not the kind of player who typically gets these types of deals. He doesn’t score 20 a night. He’s not flashy. But coaches trust him. Teammates love him. And fans respect the hell out of him. His salary keeps rising for one reason: real hoopers know his value.

What are TJ McConnell’s endorsement deals as of 2025?

Here’s the thing. McConnell doesn’t really play the off-court game like most NBA guys do. No big shoe deals commercials or flashy collabs. As of 2025, there are no publicly known major endorsements tied to his name. And honestly, that tracks.

He’s never chased the spotlight. Whether it was in Philly or Indiana, he’s always kept his head down, focused on playing his role, and let the work speak for itself. That’s part of why fans love him. He’s real. Authentic. Not trying to be something he’s not.

That said, it wouldn’t be a shock if we start seeing more local partnerships or brand alignments in the future. He’s built a loyal fanbase, especially in Indiana, and he’s the kind of guy companies love to attach themselves to. Dependable. Hard-working. Humble. If he ever decides to cash in on that, the door’s wide open.

TJ McConnell’s College and Professional Career

So, here’s the recap. McConnell began his college basketball journey at Duquesne University, where he quickly shone as a dynamic point guard. With his court vision and developing defensive tenacity, McConnell wanted more, so he transferred to the University of Arizona, but could not play the 2012-13 season because of NCAA transfer rules, but he soon joined the Wildcats from 2013-15

As just a senior, he had a total of 238 assists and earned First Team All-Pac-12 honors. Averaging at 10.2 points, 5.4 assists, and 2.3 steals per game, T.J. McConnell had made a name for himself as one of the nation’s top floor generals. 

Though he went undrafted in the 2015 season, the Philadelphia 76ers signed him for the next four seasons, where he ranked among the league’s best reserves in steals and assists. And then began his tenure with the Indiana Pacers. Finishing third in the 2019-20 NBA season in assist-to-turnover ratio, he became a locker room leader. But the next season became his breakout year.

In the 2020-21 season, T.J. McConnell became the first player in NBA history to record over 15 assists in four games off the bench in a single season. Fast forward to 2025, the Pacers legend has played in 706 games, and has an average of 9.1 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 4.4 assists. And locked in until 2028, we still have more to see from the Pacers’ favorite reserve.