Pacers To Retain Robinson-Earl, Waive Morris
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The Indiana Pacers plan to keep forward Jeremiah Robinson-Earl on a standard contract and will release point guard Monte Morris to clear space on the 15-man roster, according to multiple reports on November 20.
Robinson-Earl, 25, will sign a two-year, minimum-salary deal that is non-guaranteed for the remainder of 2025-26, sources said. His salary becomes fully guaranteed if he is still on the roster after January 7, and the agreement includes a non-guaranteed team option for 2026-27.
The fifth-year veteran joined the Pacers under a hardship exception and has appeared in 10 games, starting three. He is averaging 5.2 points and 6.2 rebounds in 20.3 minutes while shooting 36.4% from the field. Indiana has been outscored by 15.7 points per 100 possessions during his minutes, but the front office opted to keep him beyond the expiration of his second 10-day contract Thursday night.
The hardship exception was granted because four Pacers—Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles), Obi Toppin (foot), Aaron Nesmith (knee) and Kam Jones (back)—have each missed at least three consecutive games and are expected to be sidelined for at least two more weeks. A team may not sign the same player to three hardship contracts, prompting Indiana to convert Robinson-Earl to the standard roster.
Releasing Morris opens the necessary spot. The veteran guard appeared in six games for Indiana, averaging 3.0 points and 1.5 assists across 10.8 minutes while shooting .350 from the floor, .250 from three and .500 at the foul line.
If the club still meets hardship criteria after the move, it could add another player on a 10-day contract once Morris clears waivers.
Source: HoopsRumors
