NBA Market: The surprising move by the Indiana Pacers that no one expected

NBA Market: The Indiana Pacers have decided to waive shooting guard Mac McClung and sign veteran point guard Monte Morris in his place, as reported by ESPN's Shams Charania.

McClung, a three-time NBA dunk contest champion, had signed a two-year contract with the Pacers last week, his first standard deal of his career after having two-way and camp agreements since 2021. The 26-year-old played three games with Indiana, averaging 6.3 points in 11.3 minutes per game.

According to ESPN's analyst Bobby Marks, the franchise will incur a salary cap hit of $164,060 due to his release, as the second season of the contract was non-guaranteed.

In his place, the Pacers will incorporate Monte Morris, a 30-year-old experienced point guard who will bring stability to a roster plagued by injuries. Indiana is facing a shortage of players: eight were sidelined in the 112-103 loss to the Brooklyn Nets, leaving the team with a record of 1-7.

Pacers' Troubles

Among the most significant absences are Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles tendon rupture, out for the season), Obi Toppin (stress fracture in foot, out at least until February), T.J. McConnell (yet to debut due to a hamstring strain), Bennedict Mathurin (week-to-week with a big toe injury), and Andrew Nembhard (out since the debut due to a shoulder issue). Several backup players are also injured, like Kam Jones (back), Johnny Furphy (ankle), and Quenton Jackson (hamstring).

Morris, with eight seasons of NBA experience, played 45 games for the Phoenix Suns this season, averaging 5.2 points, 1.6 assists, and 1.5 rebounds, with a field goal percentage of 42.6%.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Mercado NBA: El sorprendente movimiento de Indiana Pacers que nadie esperaba