Beloved Veteran James Johnson Returns To Pacers On Training Camp Deal
The Indiana Pacers can't get enough of James Johnson and what he provides behind the scenes, so they are bringing him in on a training camp contract for 2026-27.
James Johnson, a well-respected veteran of the Indiana Pacers, is set to return to the team for the upcoming training camp. Johnson, a former Indiana Pacers player from 2022 to 2026, spent time with the franchise in various capacities, including non-guaranteed deals, 10-day agreements, and standard contracts. Despite limited playing time, Johnson has remained an important figure in the locker room, providing wisdom and respect to his teammates, particularly Indiana Pacers forward Obi Toppin.
Toppin flew to Miami multiple times last year to train with Johnson, and the two even engaged in activities such as boxing to maintain their bond. Johnson is known for his impact on team culture and has earned various nicknames from his teammates. Currently, the Pacers roster consists of 14 players with standard contracts and 3 two-way contracts, totaling 19 players under the 21-player limit.
Johnson's return comes with a training camp deal and an Exhibit 9 clause, providing insurance for the team in case of a serious injury during training camp. With the Pacers' salary cap situation tight, Johnson's minimum salary for the 2026-27 season ($2.449 million) exceeds the team's available financial resources. However, starting around November 5, the team could afford to sign Johnson if they choose to do so.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
