TORONTO - The Indian Pacers have cleared the way for guard Jarrett Jack to land in Toronto.
The Pacers said Monday that they will not match the offer sheet Toronto issued to Jack, a restricted free agent.
"It was a very difficult decision because Jarrett proved last season what he can bring to a team," Pacers president Larry Bird said in a statement released by the team. "We thank Jarrett for his contributions to the Pacers, both on and off the court, and wish him the best in Toronto."
The Raptors signed the restricted free agent to an offer sheet on July 13, giving the Pacers a week to match the offer.
Reports in Indianapolis and Toronto pegged the four-year offer at more than US$16 million with the Indianapolis Star reporting the amount at $20 million.
The six-foot-three, 195-pound Jack made $2 million last season with the Pacers.
Jack, who played with Raptors star Chris Bosh at Georgia Tech, averaged a career-high 13.1 points, 3.4 rebounds and 4.1 assists last season. He was acquired by the Pacers in a five-player trade a year ago.
In recent days, Raptors GM Bryan Colangelo has acquired forward Hedo Turkoglu in a four-way complex deal and signed centre Andrea Bargnani to a $50-million, five-year deal.
Meanwhile, the Pacers may sign Earl Watson to take Jack's place.
Oklahoma City waived Watson last week. His agent, Todd Ramasar, said Watson will be sign a one-year deal and join Indiana by the end of this week. He would not disclose terms.
Watson, an eight-year NBA veteran, appeared in 68 games last season and averaged 6.6 points and 5.8 assists. Ramasar said the Pacers made the decision to sign Watson, knowing they wouldn't re-sign Jack.
"It's something that I think was orchestrated even before Earl was waived," Ramasar said.
