The Indiana Pacers are moving forward with two familiar names, keeping Micah Potter in the fold and extending a two-way qualifying offer to Jalen Slawson.
According to multiple reports, Indiana plans to pick up Potter’s $2.80 million team option, a deal that remains fully non-guaranteed for the 2026-27 season. That gives the Pacers flexibility, since the contract does not become fully guaranteed until January 10, 2027. If the team decides to move on later, it can still waive him.
Potter’s path with Indiana made the choice an easy one. The Pacers added the 6-foot-9 center on December 26, 2025, and he quickly found a role when injuries thinned the group at center. After the Pacers acquired Ivicia Zubac, who missed most of the season for the blue and gold after being traded here, Potter made the most of his chances.
The stretch-big element in Indiana’s system fit him well. Potter shot 42.3% from three-point range last season and brought a kind of energy that stood out during what was described as the worst season in franchise history. He also spoke multiple times about being grateful for the opportunity with the Pacers and delivered several strong offensive performances.
One of the season’s more memorable moments came away from the floor. Potter and his wife announced they were expecting a baby in September, and during a road game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, he revealed the baby’s gender by wearing blue sneakers. It was especially meaningful because the game was in Ohio, his hometown.
The Potter update was first reported by Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype.
Indiana also extended a two-way qualifying offer to Jalen Slawson. Per HoopsRumors.com, a two-way qualifying offer is “A a one-year, two-way contract offer made by a team to a player whose previous two-way deal is expiring. By extending this offer, the team gives the player a guaranteed partial salary and retains the right of first refusal if the player explores free agency.”
In practical terms, that makes Slawson a restricted free agent. The Pacers are likely to use him in Summer League and then decide the next step from there. Last season, he was a steady two-way piece who showed defensive upside and could give the team depth on the wing if injuries hit.
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