Pacers Bring Back Veteran Forward James Johnson on Training Camp Deal
The short version
- James Johnson signed an Exhibit 9 training camp contract with the Pacers
- The 39-year-old played 39 games for Indiana from 2022-2026 and sat out 2025-26
- Pacers sit $2.235M under the first apron; Johnson's minimum is $2.449M
- Proration means Indiana could re-sign him starting November 5
- Johnson attended the team's player-led mini camp in Nashville
Indiana has signed the 39-year-old for training camp, though his hard-capped salary situation means a November return could follow a camp release.
The Indiana Pacers have signed veteran forward James Johnson to a training camp contract for the 2026-27 season, bringing back one of the organization's most respected locker room figures. The deal includes an Exhibit 9 clause, which protects the team financially if the 39-year-old suffers a serious injury during camp.
Johnson spent three seasons with Indiana from 2022 through 2026, appearing in 39 regular season games and signing roughly half a dozen contracts over the last four seasons across non-guaranteed, 10-day and standard arrangements. He did not play in the NBA during the 2025-26 campaign but remained connected to the team, including attending one of Tyrese Haliburton's events in August 2025.
His influence has extended beyond the court. After Indiana's loss in the 2025 NBA Finals, Obi Toppin spent months training with Johnson in Miami, working out nearly every day. Pacers coach Rick Carlisle and guard T.J. McConnell have both praised Johnson's leadership and communication.
The signing comes with a roster complication. Indiana is hard capped at the first apron with only $2.235 million in room, less than Johnson's $2.449 million minimum salary, meaning the Pacers cannot retain him after camp without a cost-cutting trade. However, because minimum deals prorate daily, they could re-sign him as early as November 5.
Johnson joined teammates at a player-led mini camp in Nashville last week, a signal of his potential ongoing role as the Pacers open camp. Indiana currently holds 19 players, two below the offseason maximum of 21.
