The Miami Heat have pulled off a trade, sending their veteran center Thomas Bryant to the Indiana Pacers. In return, the Pacers will swap their 2031 second-round pick with the Heat. Yeah, you read that rightโ2031! Talk about planning for the future.
Pacers’ Big Man Blues
So, here’s the scoop: Bryant becomes eligible for the trade this Sunday. The Pacers are scrambling for a backup center after losing Isaiah Jackson and James Wiseman to those dreaded torn Achilles tendons. Ouch! Itโs a tough break for Indiana, but theyโre hoping Bryant can fill the void. According to Spotrac, Bryant inked a one-year, $2.8 million deal with Miami during the offseason. This trade is a win-win for the Heat, saving them $4.7 million in taxes and putting them $3.7 million below the second apron. Not too shabby!
Miami’s Roster Shuffle
With 13 players on standard contracts, Miami now has a couple of weeks to add a 14th player. Unless they pull off another trade, this move locks in two-way guard Dru Smith’s spot on the roster. I think the Heat are playing it smart here, keeping their options open while managing the cap. Speaking of trades, did you catch that wild Curry rumor? No? Well, that’s a story for another day.
The Pacers scoured the trade market for a backup center after losing big men Isaiah Jackson and James Wiseman to torn Achilles tendons. Bryant is in his eighth NBA season, averaging 4.1 points and 3.2 rebounds in 11 minutes a game this season.
โ Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania)
Thomas Bryant: A Journey Through Hoops
Bryant’s been around the block. Drafted 42nd overall by the Jazz back in 2017, he was quickly traded to the Lakers. Since then, heโs bounced around, spending time with the Wizards, Nuggets, and back to the Lakers before landing in Miami. Heโs had his moments, like that unforgettable triple-overtime game against the Suns where he dropped 31 points without missing a single shot. Thatโs some serious efficiency, folks. But let’s be real, his numbers with Miami this seasonโ4.1 points and 3.2 rebounds in 11.5 minutes per gameโaren’t exactly setting the world on fire.
Pacers’ Roster Tweaks
In another move, the Pacers recently let go of 7-foot-2 Moses Brown, who had just signed last month. Brown, a UCLA alum, showed promise with the Westchester Knicks, averaging 18.5 points and 13.5 boards. Now, Indiana sits just $126,526 below the tax line with 15 players on standard contracts. It’s a tight squeeze, but hey, that’s the NBA for ya.
So, what do you think? Will Bryant be the answer to Indiana’s big man woes, or is this just another blip on the radar?
