James Johnson stays with Indiana Pacers on a second 10-day contract
INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Pacers are keeping James Johnson around on another 10-day contract. Johnson signed an initial 10-day contract with the Pacers on January 19, and it expired once the 28th of the month concluded.
Johnson is on 10-day deals so that Indiana can preserve flexibility. With the trade deadline approaching in just over one week, that optionality could be paramount. It's much easier to waive a player on a 10-day deal than a fully guaranteed full-season contract if a team needs roster space, so Johnson's contract situation helps the Pacers while also keeping him on the roster.
Players can only sign two 10-day agreements with one franchise in a season, so Johnson will have to sign a rest-of-season contract if the blue and gold want to keep him around beyond this second 10-day, which will expire after February 7.
Johnson had his original full-season deal with the Pacers fully guaranteed earlier this month, but he was waived to help the team complete a trade to acquire Pascal Siakam. Now, they are doing the 10-day contract dance until the team's roster is settled post-trade deadline. Given how highly the organization has spoken of Johnson, it's fair to assume they would like to keep him around for the rest of the season.
"He's a great person, great vet. He's gonna bring a lot of energy and toughness to the team," Pacers forward Kendall brown said of Johnson earlier this season.
The veteran forward is averaging 0.8 points, 0.8 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game in five 2023-24 appearances. His value primarily comes in the locker room, where he is a highly-regarded leader and voice.
On this contract, Johnson will carry a cap hit of $116k. He practiced with the team on Monday. The rest of his future this season will be decided around the trade deadline.
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