The Indiana Pacers have signed veteran forward James Johnson to a training camp contract, bringing the beloved locker room figure back to the organization. This move comes as the Pacers look to stabilize following a difficult end to their previous campaign, which concluded with a 121-133 loss to the Detroit Pistons on April 12, 2026.
Johnson, 39, spent parts of three seasons with Indiana from 2022 to 2026. While his on-court contributions were limited, his value as a mentor and leader was immense. Head coach Rick Carlisle has often praised Johnson's communication skills and the respect he commands from teammates.
His statistics from his last full season with the Pacers were modest, averaging just 1.4 points and 0.4 assists per game. But his impact extends far beyond the box score. Johnson is known for his work ethic and his ability to connect with younger players. After the Pacers' loss in the 2025 NBA Finals, forward Obi Toppin spent months training with Johnson in Miami, incorporating boxing and other disciplines.
Johnson's influence on star guard Tyrese Haliburton is also notable. He was present at Haliburton's basketball camp in August 2025 even without a contract. Johnson has nicknames for many teammates, calling Haliburton "franchise." His presence is about building a winning culture.
Johnson's deal is a training camp contract with an Exhibit 9 clause. This protects the Pacers financially if a player suffers a serious injury during camp. If injured, Johnson would receive $15,000, but the team would not be liable for his full salary. The Pacers' salary cap situation is tight. They are hard-capped at the first apron, with team spending just $2.235 million below that limit.
Johnson's minimum salary for the season would be $2.449 million. This means Indiana cannot afford to keep him after camp without making a cost-cutting move first. However, because minimum contracts prorate daily once the regular season starts, the Pacers could potentially sign Johnson in early November if they choose to. The team currently has 14 standard contracts, two Exhibit 10 deals, and three two-way players.
The Pacers are aiming to bounce back from a tough finish. Their recent form shows one win and four losses in their last five games (LLWLL). They lost their final two contests of that stretch, including the season finale against Detroit. Key results from that period include a 94-105 home loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on April 10 and a 94-123 road win over the Brooklyn Nets on April 9.
Other results were a 104-124 defeat to the Minnesota Timberwolves, a 117-108 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, and a 129-108 loss to the Charlotte Hornets. Johnson's return is seen as a step toward shoring up the team's internal foundation as they prepare for a new season.
Johnson was with the team at a player-led mini-camp in Nashville last week. "I want to play," Johnson said in 2025, expressing his continued desire to contribute. For now, his role begins in training camp, offering his experience to a Pacers squad eager to turn the page.
