NBA Free Agency: David West to re-up with Indiana

Jun 3, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Indiana Pacers power forward David West (21) lays the ball up defended by Miami Heat power forward Udonis Haslem (40) in the first quarter during game 7 of the 2013 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell- USA TODAY Sports

The Indiana Pacers have reached an agreement to retain free agent forward David West, Yahoo! NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski reports.

The deal is expected to be for three years, around $36 million for the former Xavier University forward.

It was clear that West wanted to stay with the Pacers even though his contract ended after the season. There was never any indication that any other teams had a chance at changing the two-time NBA All-Star’s mind.

West was instrumental in Indiana’s run to the Eastern Conference Finals last season, averaging 17.1 points and 7.7 rebounds per game — along with being a matchup headache for the Miami Heat.

The Pacers season ended in game 7 in Miami last season, one win away from earning their first NBA Finals appearance since 2000. Indiana looks to build on last season’s success, and it wouldn’t have been right to do that without the heart and soul of the team.

Re-signing West was necessary and the Pacers number one offseason priority. Mission accomplished.