James Johnson, a veteran forward, re-signed with the Pacers after his second 10-day deal with Indiana expired on Wednesday night, the organisation stated in a news release.
As anticipated, Johnson was given a spot on the 15-man roster when veteran point guard Cory Joseph was cut. Joseph was purchased by Indiana earlier in the day from Golden State in exchange for $5.68 million in cash.
Since the 2023–24 season started, Johnson has already signed four distinct contracts with Indiana. A month after signing a non-guaranteed minimum-salary contract on December 15, he was waived to make room for Pascal Siakam in the trade. After being ineligible to sign another 10-day contract, Johnson signed a rest-of-season agreement with the Pacers. Johnson has previously returned to the team on two 10-day contracts.
With only 24 total minutes in five games this season, Johnson—who will turn 37 later this month—does not play a significant role for the Pacers. He does, however, provide some toughness and physicality to a relatively youthful club and is a valuable experienced presence in the locker room.
Johnson will be paid the remaining $1,230,816 under a prorated minimum-salary contract, which will count towards Indiana’s cap of $777,703.
The Pacers now have a full 15-man roster, but Furkan Korkmaz, who they acquired from Philadelphia on Thursday, is likely to be waived in order to create room.
