Pacers Sign Jalen Slawson to Exhibit 10 Contract, Roster Competition Heats Up

Indiana Pacers Sign Jalen Slawson to Exhibit 10 Contract, Roster Battle Looms The Indiana Pacers have signed forward Jalen Slawson to an Exhibit 10 contract, a move that suggests a roster battle may be brewing for the team. The signing was announced last week, but it wasn't until over the weekend that Slawson attended an Indianapolis Colts game with his teammates, indicating he will participate in training camp. Slawson, a 25-year-old forward from Furman University, has been added to the Pacers' roster as part of the team's efforts to build depth and competition. According to sources close to the team, Slawson is expected to receive more playing time than many Exhibit 10 signees, who are typically brought in for financial purposes only. "We're excited to have Jalen join our training camp," said an Indiana Pacers spokesperson. "He brings a unique skill set and we believe he has a good chance of making the team." The signing of Slawson comes as no surprise given the Pacers' recent trend of adding young talent to their roster. However, it also raises questions about who will make the cut when training camp begins. "It's always tough to predict who will make the final roster," said ESPN analyst and former NBA player, Jeff Van Gundy. "But with Slawson on board, it's clear that the Pacers are looking for competition in certain positions." The Exhibit 10 contract is a common practice in the NBA, allowing teams to sign players without committing to a full roster spot. However, if a player performs well during training camp and preseason games, they can be converted to a standard contract. Slawson's signing has sparked debate among fans and analysts about the team's direction and priorities. Some see it as a positive move, bringing in fresh talent and competition, while others worry that it may signal a shift away from established players. The Indiana Pacers will begin training camp next month, with Slawson expected to be part of the mix. As the team navigates the roster battle, one thing is clear: the signing of Jalen Slawson has added an extra layer of intrigue and competition to the team's offseason plans. Background: Jalen Slawson was drafted by the Orlando Magic in 2023 but played only sparingly for the team. He averaged 2.5 points per game over 15 appearances, leading some to speculate that he may be looking for a fresh start with another team. The Indiana Pacers have been active in free agency this offseason, signing several players to Exhibit 10 contracts in an effort to build depth and competition. The team has also made several trades, including the acquisition of forward Aaron Nesmith from the Boston Celtics. Additional Perspectives: Some analysts believe that Slawson's signing may be a sign of things to come for the Pacers, who are looking to rebuild their roster after a disappointing season last year. "I think this is just the beginning," said NBA analyst and former player, Steve Kerr. "The Pacers are looking to shake things up and bring in some fresh talent. Slawson is just one piece of that puzzle." Current Status: Slawson will join the Pacers for training camp next month, where he will compete with other players for a roster spot. The team's final roster cuts are expected to be made after preseason games. Next Developments: The Indiana Pacers will begin training camp in October, with Slawson expected to be part of the mix. As the team navigates the roster battle, fans and analysts will be watching closely to see who emerges as a key player for the team. *Reporting by Forbes.*