Indiana Pacers Sign Monte Morris to Bolster Backcourt Depth

The Indiana Pacers have agreed to a one-year, non-guaranteed contract with veteran point guard Monte Morris, as confirmed by ESPN's Shams Charania. This signing comes as the Pacers prepare for the 2025-26 NBA season without their star guard Tyrese Haliburton, who is sidelined for the entire season due to a ruptured Achilles tendon sustained during the NBA Finals.

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Monte Morris, 30, enters his ninth NBA season after spending last year with the Phoenix Suns, where he averaged 5.2 points, 1.6 assists, and 1.5 rebounds in 45 games. Known for his steady decision-making, Morris boasts a career average of 9.5 points and 3.6 assists per game, along with a notable 38.9% shooting from three-point range. His experience includes stints with the Denver Nuggets, Washington Wizards, Detroit Pistons, and Minnesota Timberwolves.

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The Pacers are looking to Morris to provide essential backcourt depth, particularly as they navigate the absence of Haliburton. With only Andrew Nembhard and T.J. McConnell as experienced point guards on the roster, Morris's addition is seen as a critical move to enhance the team's playmaking capabilities. General Manager Chad Buchanan previously indicated the need for additional point guard depth, emphasizing the importance of having multiple lead ball handlers.

Pacers sign Monte Morris: instant reaction and analysis

Morris's contract includes an Exhibit 9 clause, which protects the team financially in case of injury during training camp. If Morris is injured, the Pacers would owe him $15,000, which would count against the salary cap as dead money. This arrangement allows the Pacers to assess Morris's fit during training camp without committing fully to his contract until the regular season begins.

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The Pacers currently have 21 players under contract, necessitating the waiving of at least one player to accommodate Morris. Tony Bradley, who is on a non-guaranteed contract, is considered the most likely candidate to be waived.

Forbes

While the signing of Morris is generally viewed as a prudent move, some analysts argue that it does not significantly elevate the Pacers' prospects for the upcoming season. Critics point out that Morris's production has declined in recent years, and his role may be limited given the presence of Nembhard and McConnell. Additionally, the Pacers' overall depth has been impacted by Haliburton's injury and the departure of center Myles Turner to the Milwaukee Bucks.

Pacers sign Monte Morris to one-year deal

Chad Buchanan, the Pacers' General Manager, acknowledged the team's need for additional point guard depth, stating, “If there is a position we’d maybe look at… maybe another point guard.” This sentiment reflects the team's strategy to adapt to the challenges posed by Haliburton's absence.

Indianapolis Star

Training camp for the Pacers begins on September 29, 2025, with the preseason set to start on October 7. The Pacers will face the Oklahoma City Thunder in their regular-season opener on October 23, marking a rematch of last season's NBA Finals.

Newsweek

• “Just coming in, guys see me at coming in here at all hours," Morris said after practice during last season.” — Monte Morris

Sports Illustrated

• “With [Nembhard] and [McConnell], it obviously puts a lot on their plates with nobody behind them right now that’s a pure point guard on our 15-man roster.” — Chad Buchanan

Forbes

The addition of Monte Morris is a strategic effort by the Indiana Pacers to maintain competitiveness in a challenging season ahead, as they adapt to significant roster changes.

Forbes