The Indiana Pacers are retaining forward Jalen Slawson, agreeing to a new two-way contract after his productive stint with the organization during the 2025-26 season.
NBA insider Michael Scotto reported on Tuesday that Indiana and Slawson reached a two-way agreement. The 26-year-old averaged 7.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.1 blocks while shooting 44.2% from the field and 37.5% from three-point range across 13 appearances for the Pacers last season.
Although his sample size was limited, Slawson earned meaningful opportunities after joining Indiana late in the season. He started six of his 13 games and logged 23.9 minutes per contest.
A 6-foot-7 forward capable of defending multiple positions, Slawson contributed in nearly every statistical category. Along with his 7.3 points per game, he posted a 53.9% effective field goal percentage while averaging 1.5 steals and 1.1 blocks, highlighting his activity on the defensive end. His ability to stretch the floor also improved, as he connected on 37.5% of his 3.1 three-point attempts per game.
Before arriving in Indiana, Slawson appeared in 12 games for the Sacramento Kings during the 2023-24 season, averaging 0.7 points in just 3.1 minutes per game. Across his first two NBA seasons, he has played in 25 regular-season games while averaging 4.1 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.5 assists.
The move continues Indiana’s strategy of maintaining organizational continuity while filling out its roster with players already familiar with Rick Carlisle’s system. Slawson initially joined the Pacers on a two-way contract in late February and made enough of an impression to earn another opportunity entering the 2026-27 campaign.
Indiana has spent the offseason adding experienced depth around its core. The Pacers signed Kelly Oubre Jr. to a two-year, $17 million contract to strengthen the wing rotation and later added veteran forward Larry Nance Jr. on a one-year deal.
The Pacers also reshaped their frontcourt during the 2025-26 season by acquiring Ivica Zubac and Kobe Brown from the Los Angeles Clippers in a trade that sent Bennedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson and future draft compensation to Los Angeles. Zubac appeared in five games for Indiana after the deadline, averaging 11.6 points and 7.2 rebounds.
