3 Indiana Pacers who definitely won't be back next season
By Ryan Stano
3. James Johnson
As a young team, the Pacers needed a veteran guy in the locker room who has played in some big games. They needed a guy who can help show them what it means to be a professional. That's why they signed James Johnson again for this past season.
Johnson was waived during the season at one point because they needed a roster spot for a trade made. Then they brought him right back. Despite Johnson not playing a lot on the court, he is an enforcer. If anyone messes with this team, he's the tough guy that has to be contended with.
Now that the season is over, he likely won't be re-signed next season. He's 37 years old and obviously doesn't play a bunch. The good news is that if the Pacers wanted to bring him back, they can. He's cheap and would be a veteran minimum guy. But they could opt to go with a different veteran who can actually help them on the court.
Johnson has played in just 27 games in the past two seasons for Indiana. His leadership is something that means more to the Pacers than his on-court production. If they do decide to bring him back, it wouldn't be until late in free agency once all of their other work is done.
I wouldn't be totally shocked if they brought him back, but he might opt to retire. He's not playing anymore and perhaps he wants to do something else with his life at this point. Of the guys on this list, he has the most chance to be brought back though.
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it's time for Walker to get more minutes and for the Indiana Pacers to cut some costs around Siakam. Parting with these three guys helps that.