Jalen Slawson earns two-way contract with Pacers after strong Summer League showing

LAS VEGAS – The Indiana Pacers' two-way contract plans were unclear heading into summer league, but one thing was certain: Jalen Slawson had something to prove.

The 26-year-old forward received a qualifying offer from Indiana just before free agency opened, making him a restricted free agent. That also placed him in contention for a two-way deal with the Pacers, alongside Braden Smith, Kobe Brown, Taelon Peter, and Ethan Thompson.

"I don't think we look at it as competition. [Thompson], [Peter], [Smith], we're all really close. We understand that it's a business, and we know that the front office here has to make decisions just like everywhere else," Slawson said ahead of Pacers summer league mini camp. "Obviously, everybody's hungry and everybody wants this spot. But I don't think if you look at it as a competition like that, that it can always be healthy."

Summer league became a major opportunity for that group, particularly for Slawson. He signed a one-year two-way deal with the Pacers in February, then produced down the stretch, averaging 7.3 points and 4.4 rebounds per game across 13 appearances.

He also averaged over one steal and one block per game, along with multiple assists. The Furman product made the most of his chances after being called up from the G League, earning another look this summer.

Slawson felt more confident entering the offseason than he did in 2025. His ability to make quicker reads—essential in the Pacers system—had improved. He snapped into open lanes with better drives and grew more comfortable as a catch-and-shoot weapon.

"I'm understanding spacing better," Slawson said. "My conditioning is better, and my overall understanding of the game."

He spent time working with—and guarding—Tyrese Haliburton to learn more about the point guard's mindset, which helped him learn faster. Slawson is already a good athlete, and the added cognitive ability went a long way. He was eager to showcase it in summer league, especially with a contract potentially on the line.

What Did Jalen Slawson Show During Summer League for the Pacers?

Slawson's first impression was polarizing: his shots weren't falling, but every other aspect of his game was strong. In a win over the summer Cavaliers, the two-year pro went 4/15 from the field but recorded:

• 6 rebounds
• 5 assists
• 1 steal
• 5 blocks

The latter three stats were all Slawson's best marks in any summer league game.

Then came the scoring in game two. He posted 26 points along with five rebounds, plus strong defensive moments once again. The Pacers nearly completed a 20-plus point comeback but fell in overtime against the 76ers.

Slawson, however, was tremendous.

"He's a great stampede, or catch-and-go, driver. Once he gets downhill, he's really explosive off of his left foot. So we try to put him in situations where he can do that," said Pacers summer league head coach Bryce Taylor. "He's continued to improve his ball handling. He's a good passer. He has an electric type of energy that he plays with."

Slawson knocked down seven two-point shots and six free throws in that outing.

Postgame, Slawson noted that his athleticism and physical frame made drives a natural emphasis for his offseason improvements. He finishes well at the rim—making 85% of his shots from 0–3 feet last season—but needs to get there more often. His handle and timing were key areas of focus.

"Being able to impose my will, get to the paint," Slawson said of his development.

He already feels the success of his refinements and hit the weight room to improve his balance. All of that work has made him a noticeably better player.

That outing against Philadelphia was Slawson's first 20-plus point game in Las Vegas, but it wasn't his last. He reached at least 20 points in every remaining summer league game, finishing the five-game program with an average of 20.8 points per game. After struggling with his three-point shot in the first three outings, Slawson went 5/13 from beyond the arc.