Pacers Announce Signing of Young Forward as Training Camp Nears

The Indiana Pacers have signed forward Jalen Slawson to an Exhibit 10 training camp contract as they finalize their roster for the 2025-26 NBA preseason. Slawson, a 6-foot-7 swingman, was originally drafted by the Sacramento Kings in 2023 and has since played in the G League and made brief NBA appearances, including with the Kings and Orlando Magic's affiliates, as well as recently participating in the Philadelphia 76ers' Summer League.

In his professional career, Slawson averaged 0.7 points and 0.6 rebounds in 12 NBA games with the Sacramento Kings during the 2023-24 season, while in the G League, he posted averages of 12.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.3 blocks, and 1.1 steals per game across 64 games for the Stockton and Osceola teams. Most recently, in the 2025 Summer League, he averaged 3.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.3 blocks over seven games.

An Exhibit 10 contract allows for potential elevation to a two-way deal before the season starts or, if Slawson is cut and signs with the Pacers' G League affiliate, the Noblesville Boom, he could receive a bonus of up to $85,300 after 60 days with the team. This type of deal offers flexibility for both the player and the organization in roster management.

The Pacers are navigating a transitional period, having lost key players like Tyrese Haliburton, who is out for the year due to injury, and Myles Turner, who signed with the Milwaukee Bucks. This creates opportunities for younger players like Slawson to impress during training camp and potentially earn a more permanent role with the team.

Currently, the Pacers have 16 players signed for 15 standard roster spots, with partially guaranteed contracts for James Wiseman and Tony Bradley adding to the competition. Including two-way players and Exhibit 10 signings like Samson Johnson, RJ Felton, and Steven Ashworth, there are 23 players vying for 21 training camp spots, indicating that further roster changes are expected before the season begins.