The Indiana Pacers are set to waive guard Mac McClung after he played in just three games following his signing on Oct. 28. The 26-year-old, a three-time NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion, averaged 6.3 points per game during his brief stint. In a corresponding move, the Pacers will sign veteran guard Monte Morris to bolster their injury-depleted backcourt.
Fewer than two weeks after signing Mac McClung to his first standard NBA contract, the Indiana Pacers decided to waive the 26-year-old guard, according to reports from ESPN and other outlets. McClung inked a multiyear deal on Oct. 28, a milestone after years of two-way and short-term contracts with teams including the Los Angeles Lakers, Chicago Bulls, Philadelphia 76ers, and Orlando Magic. This marked his first multi-year agreement in the league.
During his three games with the Pacers—all losses—McClung averaged 6.3 points on 38.9% shooting, along with 1.3 rebounds, 1.7 steals, and 0.3 assists. His most notable performance came against the Atlanta Hawks, where he played 19 minutes and scored 12 points on 5-of-12 shooting. Production tapered off, with just two minutes in his final game. The Pacers, currently 1-7 and tied for the worst record in the Eastern Conference alongside the Brooklyn Nets and Washington Wizards, waived McClung to make room for veteran Monte Morris.
Morris, who suffered a calf strain during training camp, adds experienced guard depth to a backcourt hampered by injuries. Key absences include Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles tear from the 2025 NBA Finals), T.J. McConnell (hamstring), Andrew Nembhard (shoulder), and Bennedict Mathurin (toe), among others like Quenton Jackson, Johnny Furphy, and Kam Jones.
McClung, undrafted in 2021, built a reputation as a G League standout, earning Rookie of the Year honors in 2021-22 with the South Bay Lakers (19.5 points, 6.3 assists per game) and MVP in 2023-24 with the Osceola Magic (25.2 points, 6.4 assists). He made history as the first player to win three consecutive Slam Dunk Contests from 2023 to 2025, matching Nate Robinson's total.
Reflecting on his journey before the waiver, McClung told The Athletic, “It’s been quite a roller coaster... I just try to embrace that it’s my journey and I’m very grateful.” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle praised him as “an attacker” and “aggressive,” noting his value in providing energy and depth amid the team's challenges.
The move comes as the Pacers recently lost 112-103 to the Nets, with Pascal Siakam leading with 23 points and 10 assists, Ben Sheppard adding 18, and Jay Huff contributing 16.
