The Pacers waived James Johnson, Keba Keita and Rienk Mast on Saturday.
Opening Night rosters must be set by Monday, Oct. 19 at 5 p.m. ET. By completing the moves on Saturday, the Pacers allowed time for the players to clear waivers before the deadline and avoided an additional day of salary.
The Pacers now have 14 players on standard contracts, as expected, along with three on two-way days. They are currently in the luxury tax and operating close to the first apron, where they are hard-capped.
They could bring back Johnson — or sign another player — next month, once the prorated cost of a veteran minimum contract fits below the apron.
That’s the hope with Johnson, but the plan could change depending on results, injuries or another player becoming available.
Johnson was signed to a training camp contract (Exhibit 9) on Sept. 22.
“He’s a tone setter,” Carlisle said after practice this week.
“He’s a great leader in the locker room. He’s a great practice player. He’s working with players on situations and all kinds of different things. And, you know, our guys love him. They have great respect for him.”
As for Keita and Mast, both signed Exhibit 10 deals, making them eligible for bonuses if they spend at least 60 days with the Pacers’ G League affiliate, the Noblesville Boom.
The standard G League contract is $46,350 this season, and players on Exhibit 10 deals can receive a bonus up to $50,000.
The Pacers already signed and waived six other players expected to join the Boom: Kowacie Reeves Jr.., Jalen Warley, Keion Brooks Jr., Cameron Hildreth, M.J. Iraldi, and Wade Taylor IV.
In addition, two-way players Braden Smith, Jalen Slawson and Kobe Brown will see time in Noblesville playing for first-year head coach Bryce Taylor.
Pacers Depth Chart
PG: Haliburton, Jackson
SG: Nembhard, Sheppard
SF: Nesmith, Oubre Jr., Walker
PF: Siakam, Toppin
C: Zubac, Huff, Nance Jr.
OUT: McConnell, Furphy