James Johnson Remains a Free Agent in the 2025 NBA Offseason
As the 2025 NBA offseason progresses into September, veteran forward James Johnson remains without a team following his stint with the Indiana Pacers. At 38, Johnson still harbors aspirations to continue playing and is actively seeking his next opportunity in the league.
“I haven’t made that decision to retire yet. I still want to play, help an organization, help bring culture,” Johnson shared recently while participating in Tyrese Haliburton’s basketball camp in Indianapolis.
Johnson’s Status Among Pacers Free Agents
Johnson stands as the last free agent from the Pacers this summer, a team that has seen Myles Turner sign with the Milwaukee Bucks, while Isaiah Jackson opted to remain with the Pacers. Additionally, Thomas Bryant is now reportedly close to a deal overseas.
During his three seasons with the Pacers, Johnson has played in only 39 games, averaging 1.7 points and 1.0 rebounds per game. His true value, however, has come from his leadership and presence in the locker room.
Locker Room Influence and Team Dynamics
Johnson’s influence has been widely recognized by teammates; guard T.J. McConnell once noted, “He doesn’t let things slide,” emphasizing Johnson’s commitment to preventing bad habits within the team.
Pacers General Manager Chad Buchanan expressed appreciation for Johnson’s contributions, labeling him a valuable member of the family. Yet, the current roster situation presents challenges for Johnson’s return. Buchanan remarked, “It’s painful to think of our team without him moving forward, but it may be a reality just because of our roster situation right now.”
The Future and Potential Return
With the Pacers having 15 players under contract, options for signing Johnson appear limited. Decisions regarding roster spots will depend heavily on how the team evaluates its players as training camp approaches. Johnson has made it clear he is open to any opportunity while expressing a desire to return to the Pacers.
Despite being a free agent, Johnson demonstrated his commitment by attending Haliburton’s camp, reflecting strong ties with his teammates. “We’ve been in the trenches together for three years… He’s inspiring, man,” Johnson said, highlighting Haliburton’s leadership style. With significant changes expected for the Pacers due to injuries, Johnson remains hopeful for his next NBA chapter.
