Indiana Pacers strengthen with Thomas Bryant

The Indiana Pacers secured the services of center Thomas Bryant from the Miami Heat on Sunday. In return, the teams agreed to swap second-round picks in the 2031 NBA Draft, with the Heat retaining the more favorable of the two picks. Bryant, in his eighth NBA year and second season with the Heat, is expected to be available for the Pacers' game against the New Orleans Pelicans in Indianapolis next Sunday. The 27-year-old player has averaged 4.1 points and 3.2 rebounds in 11.5 minutes per game over ten games this season—the lowest stats since his debut year in the league. Overall, Bryant has played 277 games in his career (138 as a starter) for the Los Angeles Lakers, Washington Wizards, Denver Nuggets, and the Miami Heat. He has averaged 9.3 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. The Pacers were seeking a new backup center after both Isaiah Jackson and James Wiseman suffered Achilles tendon tears. Bryant's college experience at Indiana could prove advantageous.