DEAL DONE: Dallas Mavericks Veteran Inks New Deal

NBA teams are finalizing their rosters, deciding on their final spots. The Dallas Mavericks recently re-signed Spencer Dinwiddie as their 15th player. Now, former Mavericks forward James Johnson has rejoined the Indiana Pacers on a 1-year, $3.3 million deal, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Johnson, now a veteran, brings experience to develop young players and serves as insurance in case of altercations involving star players.

Johnson was brought to Dallas in 2020 to provide security for Luka Doncic, playing 29 games before being traded to the New Orleans Pelicans for J.J. Redick. Throughout his 15-year career, he has played for 10 different teams, often serving as an enforcer.

In the 2020-21 season, Rick Carlisle’s final year as Mavericks coach, Johnson made a significant impression on him. Carlisle ensured Johnson joined the Pacers, a young team, valuing his experience and toughness despite Johnson playing only 27 games in two seasons.