'I don’t want it to end:' James Johnson attends Pacers game, feels the love after being waived

The veteran leader was one of three Pacers waived in order to complete a trade on Thursday. He talked with Fieldhouse Files about that and what's next.

Several Pacers players and coaches spotted James Johnson and went to see him before heading back to the locker room at halftime.

There was a familiar face sitting courtside, in the third seat to the left of the basket stanchion, as the Pacers hosted the Phoenix Suns on Friday night.

He was in one of four baseline seats that belong to Tyrese Haliburton’s family.

Section L, Row 1, Seat 10.

There was one of Haliburton’s three brothers, his mom, his girlfriend … and James Johnson.

Johnson was with the Pacers, on the bench for the first 56 games. However, in order to facilitate a deal on Thursday at the trade deadline, acquiring three players and three future second-round picks, three roster spots had to be cleared.

So Johnson was waived, along with Goga Bitadze and Terry Taylor.

However, the Pacers are expected to bring back Johnson, according to league sources. He’s the veteran presence in the locker room and quickly became a beloved figure on the team in just over four months.

But first, they must waive Serge Ibaka, which they will do, and Johnson must clear waivers over the weekend.

“It’s always up to the organization — Chad [Buchanan], KP [Kevin Pritchard],” Johnson told Fieldhouse Files. “I’m here to support. I care about this team regardless of what happens to me.”