James Johnson will join the Indiana Pacers for training camp on an Exhibit 9 deal, but the team lacks cap space to keep him on its opening-night roster. GM Chad Buchanan cited Johnson’s locker-room presence and help preparing younger players; a later return is not guaranteed.
An Exhibit 9 deal lets Johnson take part in camp without counting against Indiana’s salary cap. He spent parts of three seasons with the Pacers from 2022 to 2025 and sat out the 2025-26 season.
Buchanan said Indiana will assess its health, performance and roster needs before deciding whether to bring Johnson back during the season.
