James Johnson is off the Indiana Pacers' roster as of Sunday, Oct. 18. The move follows a Saturday report that the team waived him along with two others.
The move
James Johnson, a 39-year-old forward in his 16th season, is off the Indiana Pacers' roster as of Sunday, Oct. 18, according to the team's official roster. The move follows a Saturday, Oct. 17 report from Hoopsrumors, "Pacers Waive James Johnson, Two Others," which carried no confidence rating. Johnson had been with Indiana; he is now off the roster, with no new club announced.
The money
Johnson's contract is not on file yet; public salary data can lag a signing by a day, so there is no confirmed cap hit or term for him at this time. The Pacers carry $206.4 million across 15 contracts for 2026-27, which puts them over the luxury tax. The cap sits at $165.0 million, the tax line at $200.4 million, the first apron at $209.0 million and the second apron at $221.7 million.
The fit
Johnson did not play in the NBA last season. Indiana's rotation last season was led by Pascal Siakam (33.2 minutes, 24.0 points), Bennedict Mathurin (31.8, 17.8), Andrew Nembhard (31.3, 16.9), Aaron Nesmith (29.7, 13.8), Jarace Walker (25.7, 11.6), Kobe Brown (24.7, 9.4), Jalen Slawson (23.9, 7.3) and Ivica Zubac (23.6, 11.6). The Pacers' roster now stands at 17 players, 15 on standard deals plus three on two-way contracts.
Why did James Johnson leave the Pacers' roster?
He is off the roster as of Sunday, Oct. 18. A Saturday, Oct. 17 report from Hoopsrumors said the Pacers waived him along with two others, though that report carried no confidence rating.
What is James Johnson's contract situation?
His contract is not on file yet. Public salary data can lag a signing by a day.
Where do the Pacers stand against the salary cap?
Indiana carries $206.4 million across 15 contracts for 2026-27, over the luxury tax, with the cap at $165.0 million, the tax line at $200.4 million, the first apron at $209.0 million and the second apron at $221.7 million.