The Pacers have signed veteran big man Jahlil Okafor to an Exhibit 10 contract but have since waived him, as announced in a team press release. They have also waived Kendall Brown.
Reports of the Pacers’ intention to sign Okafor surfaced last month, making the delay until later in training camp somewhat surprising.
Okafor, 28, was the third overall pick in the 2015 draft and began his career with the Philadelphia 76ers but never fully met the expectations tied to his draft position.
He has been out of the NBA since the 2020-21 season, during which he played 27 games for the Detroit Pistons. After being traded to the Brooklyn Nets that summer, he later signed with the Atlanta Hawks but was unable to secure a spot on their roster.
Okafor then continued his career overseas, playing in China and Spain, and signed with a Puerto Rican team in February. He also spent time in the G League and was selected by Phoenix’s new affiliate during the expansion draft in June. Recently, the Pacers’ affiliate, the Indiana Mad Ants, acquired Okafor’s rights in a G League trade.
If Okafor joins the Mad Ants and stays with them for at least 60 days, he could be eligible for a bonus of up to $77,500.
Kendall Brown had his two-way contract converted into a three-year standard contract in March, but the last two years of the deal were non-guaranteed. He would have earned $250,000 if he made the opening-night roster. Waiving Brown increases the likelihood of Cole Swider securing the 15th spot on the roster.
By releasing Brown and his $2.1 million salary, the Pacers are now $2.5 million below the luxury tax and have an open roster spot, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks.
