Pacers Acquiring Thomas Bryant In Trade With Heat

December 13, 2024

The Miami Heat have agreed to trade center Thomas Bryant to the Indiana Pacers in exchange for a future second-round pick, sources confirmed to ESPN.

The Miami Heat have agreed on a trade to send center Thomas Bryant to the Indiana Pacers, sources tell ESPN. The Pacers will send a swap of a future second-round pick to the Heat for Bryant, who is trade-eligible on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/7mFjeICgZW

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 13, 2024

The trade, which is set to be finalized on Sunday, comes as the Pacers look to bolster their frontcourt following significant injuries to their big men.

Bryant, in his eighth NBA season, has averaged 4.1 points and 3.2 rebounds in 11 minutes per game for the Heat this season.

The 6-foot-10 center, known for his rebounding and rim protection, has provided depth for Miami off the bench. His move to Indiana comes at a critical time for the Pacers, who have been hit hard by injuries to key bigs Isaiah Jackson and James Wiseman, both of whom are sidelined with torn Achilles tendons.

Indiana’s front office has been actively seeking a backup center, and Bryant’s experience and ability to contribute in limited minutes make him a valuable addition to their roster.

While Bryant’s role with the Heat has been limited, he has shown flashes of potential throughout his career, particularly in his time with the Washington Wizards and Los Angeles Lakers.

The trade provides Miami with additional flexibility for future moves while giving the Pacers a much-needed reinforcement in the paint.

As Bryant becomes eligible for the trade on Sunday, both teams will look to make the most of this deal, with the Pacers hoping the veteran big man can help stabilize their frontcourt rotation.