The Indiana Pacers have waived veteran forward James Johnson. AllPacers reported earlier today that such a transaction would take place.
The move was done so that the Pacers could open a roster spot. Doing so allows the team to take in Kira Lewis Jr via trade, then reroute him to Toronto in the deal that brings in Pascal Siakam. Siakam will be traded to the Pacers, which was reported earlier today.
Johnson officially signed with Indiana just over two months ago. The team wanted his toughness and veteran leadership back in the building, so they brought him back. He was with the Pacers during the 2022-23 season as well.
"He has great respect from all the guys," Indiana's head coach, Rick Carlisle, said of Johnson earlier in January. "He's seen it all... he has a very good way of communicating to guys."
The veteran forward had his contract fully guaranteed just over a week ago. He will still be paid out his entire $1.4 million salary despite being waived. It is the second-straight year that Johnson has been cut on a fully guaranteed contract to facilitate a trade.
Last season, Johnson was re-signed by the Pacers once he cleared waivers. They were willing to pay him two different guaranteed contracts. According to a league source, Indiana hopes to do the same thing this season and bring back Johnson once he clears the waiver process. The team will have available roster spots after making the Siakam trade.
In five appearances this season, Johnson is averaging 0.8 points, 0.8 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game. Most of his contributions come in the locker room instead of on the court. He's a fantastic leader that Indiana loves having around — look no further than the fact that the team may end up signing him to four-plus guaranteed contracts in about 16 months.
The Pacers roster stands at 14 players after the waiver. They are about $6.2 million under the salary cap before making other moves.
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