Indiana Pacers GM reveals why they re-signed veteran enforcer James Johnson

Indiana Pacers general manager Chad Buchanan has explained why the franchise brought back veteran forward James Johnson despite not having the cap space to keep him on the opening-night roster.

Johnson has agreed to an Exhibit 9 training camp deal and will join the Pacers for camp, with the franchise leaving the door open to potentially bring him back later in the season.

The 39-year-old spent parts of three seasons with Indiana between 2022 and 2025 before sitting out the 2025-26 season. Buchanan believes his value extends well beyond what he can provide on the court.

Chad Buchanan explains James Johnson's value to the Pacers

Buchanan made it clear that Johnson remains highly valued inside the organisation, particularly because of his experience and understanding of the Pacers' culture.

"No, I mean, obviously, you guys all know what what James means to our locker room, our culture. Um, you know, he's a guy that we've we have a real fondness for, obviously."

The Pacers cannot keep Johnson to begin the season because of their current salary-cap situation, but Buchanan sees training camp as an important opportunity for the veteran to contribute.

"There's value in him in our training camp situation because the training camp is a really big chance to set the table for your year. And both as how you play as a player, but also what you're about, you know, your system, your culture."

Buchanan also pointed to head coach Rick Carlisle's approach to training camp and Johnson's ability to help younger players understand what the coaching staff expects.

"Coach Carlo is a big believer in evaluating how guys play in training camp and having a veteran like James who understands what the coaches want. He understands the team, he understands the system… to help with, you know, establish what we're going to be about for the year was is going to be very valuable for us and he's he's just a guy you love having around."

There is no guarantee Johnson will return during the season, with Buchanan saying the Pacers will assess their health, performance and roster needs before making that decision.

Johnson's Exhibit 9 deal allows him to participate in camp without counting against the cap, while Indiana could have more flexibility later in the season. For now, the Pacers clearly see his presence as valuable as they prepare for a new campaign.