Pacers Waive James Wiseman, Sign Two-Time Dunk Champion Mac McClung to Multiyear Deal

Indiana Pacers Prioritize Roster Flexibility, Waiving James Wiseman to Sign Mac McClung

The Indiana Pacers have executed a significant roster shake-up, opting for high-upside potential and flexibility over established pedigree. The team is reportedly waiving center James Wiseman, the former second overall pick, to clear a roster spot and subsequently signing high-flying guard Mac McClung to a multiyear contract.

The move, first reported by Shams Charania of ESPN, citing McClung’s agent Greg Lawrence, signals the Pacers’ commitment to finding dynamic talent, even if it comes from the G League ranks, as the 2025 season approaches.

The Mac McClung Deal: Low Risk, High Reward

Mac McClung, widely known for his sensational back-to-back wins in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest, is receiving a chance to secure a long-term role in the league. The key detail of the agreement is the contract structure: the multiyear deal is non-guaranteed.

Understanding the Non-Guaranteed Contract

For the Pacers, this structure is a classic low-risk, high-reward maneuver. A non-guaranteed contract means the team maintains maximum flexibility while assessing McClung’s fit and performance. This arrangement is standard for players transitioning from the G League or those fighting for a final roster spot.

Key implications of the non-guaranteed status include:

• No Immediate Salary Commitment: The Pacers are not financially obligated to McClung unless he remains on the active roster past specific guarantee dates, which typically fall in early January of the NBA season.
• Training Camp Battle: McClung must perform exceptionally well during training camp and the preseason to secure a spot on the 15-man roster and earn the guaranteed portion of his deal.
• Roster Flexibility: If McClung does not make the cut, the Pacers can waive him without incurring a salary cap hit, preserving financial maneuverability for potential mid-season trades or acquisitions.

McClung has spent the majority of his professional career on two-way contracts or in the G League, most recently with the Delaware Blue Coats. His signing suggests the Pacers value his speed, playmaking ability, and scoring punch demonstrated at the minor league level, viewing him as a potential spark plug off the bench.

The Wiseman Decision: Moving on from a Former Top Pick

The decision to waive James Wiseman marks another chapter in the challenging early career of the 2020 NBA Draft’s second overall selection. Wiseman, originally drafted by the Golden State Warriors, has struggled to translate his immense physical tools into consistent NBA production.

Waiving Wiseman indicates the Pacers felt his fit or development trajectory did not align with their current needs, particularly in a frontcourt that increasingly prioritizes pace and floor spacing. This transaction is indicative of a broader trend in the modern NBA where teams are increasingly willing to cut ties quickly with former high draft picks who fail to meet expectations, prioritizing roster spots for players who demonstrate immediate utility.

Waiving Wiseman achieves two immediate goals for the Pacers:

1. Opens a Roster Spot: It creates the necessary vacancy to immediately sign McClung.
2. Clears Potential Cap Space: It provides immediate roster and financial clarity heading into the final stages of the offseason.

Roster Implications and the Path Forward

The Pacers, known for their fast-paced, high-octane offense, are clearly looking for players who can thrive in that system. While Wiseman represented a traditional center archetype, McClung offers a different dimension—a guard with elite athleticism who can push the tempo and attack the rim.

McClung will be competing for minutes and a guaranteed spot against established veterans and younger players in a tight guard rotation. His ability to impact the game beyond highlight dunks, specifically his defense and three-point consistency, will be the determining factor in whether he successfully transitions from a G League star to a reliable NBA contributor.

“The Pacers are prioritizing flexibility and specific skill sets over raw potential that hasn’t materialized. McClung’s non-guaranteed deal is the perfect mechanism for the team to evaluate if his dynamic scoring can translate to a winning environment without long-term commitment.”

— Analysis of Indiana’s Roster Strategy

Key Takeaways

The Indiana Pacers’ latest roster moves underscore a focus on immediate utility and financial prudence as the 2025 season approaches:

• Wiseman Released: Former No. 2 pick James Wiseman is waived, ending his tenure with the Pacers and opening a roster spot.
• McClung Signed: Guard Mac McClung, a G League standout and two-time Dunk Contest champion, joins the team on a multiyear agreement.
• Contract Details: McClung’s contract is non-guaranteed, requiring him to earn his spot on the 15-man roster during training camp and the preseason.
• Strategic Shift: The Pacers are moving away from a traditional center project (Wiseman) toward a dynamic, athletic guard (McClung) who fits their up-tempo offensive philosophy.

What’s Next

McClung is expected to join the team immediately as they prepare for training camp. The focus now shifts to whether he can translate his G League success and elite athleticism into consistent NBA performance and secure the guaranteed portion of his contract. For Wiseman, he now enters free agency, seeking a new opportunity, likely on a minimum deal or potentially overseas, to revitalize his career.