On the prowl for point guard depth, the Indiana Pacers were reportedly adding Monte Morris, who spent last season with the Phoenix Suns. The eight-year veteran’s career has been in a downturn since he left the Denver Nuggets in 2022, where he was a steady hand in the second unit. However, the Pacers were cognizant of this, as they were planning to ink him to a non-guaranteed one-year deal (h/t HoopsHype insider Michael Scotto).
Monte Morris Injury Forces Pacers To Pivot To Free Agent Delon Wright
As it turns out, none of that matters now. Because the 30-year-old is currently hampered by a calf injury, Pacers general manager Chad Buchanan tells reporters that they won’t be signing Morris. Instead, the plan is to sign Delon Wright to a training camp deal after he undergoes a physical, per Forbes reporter Tony East.
The plan for the Pacers now is to sign guard Delon Wright for training camp, per multiple sources. Physical first.
— Tony East (@tonyreast.bsky.social) 2025-09-25T21:23:37.674Z
What’s odd is that Wright is also on the wrong side of his career.
He’s built a reputation as a two-way contributor for playoff contenders, just like elder brother Dorrell Wright, a former 3-and-D forward. However, he’s never been quite as pristine from beyond the arc as his big bro. In fact, he shot a career-low 27.4% from 3 last season. That marks the second time in the past three seasons that he’s shot below league-average from 3 and the fourth time in his career.
With scoring-minded guards who have deep range now en vogue, Wright’s perimeter defense makes him more attractive. Yet, because of his streaky jumper, his value is curbed. All of which makes his ability to make the Pacers roster a real toss-up.
It’s No Biggie
Even if Wright doesn’t make the cut for the regular season roster, it’s probably not a big deal.
Of course, he could turn out to be an x-factor down the line. For one, that’s simply the nature of sports. Secondly, Tyrese Haliburton is expected to be out for the entirety of 2025-26.
Still, Indiana has multiple players that figured to be ahead of Wright on the depth chart after training camp. Chief among them are floor general TJ McConnell and lockdown defender Andrew Nembhard. To be clear, Nembhard is a combo guard and has routinely manned both backcourt spots for the Pacers. However, Bennedict Mathurin is projected to start alongside Aaron Nesmith on the wing next season.
On top of that, Indiana drafted former hybrid guard Kam Jones this summer. Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle undoubtedly prefers to put experienced players on the court but he isn’t averse to seeing what the team’s young talent has to offer. Furthermore, Jones isn’t the typical rookie after spending four seasons at Marquette.
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