Pacers Trade for Heat Center Thomas Bryant in Roster Shift

The trade addresses Indiana's need for a backup center while giving Miami roster flexibility under NBA rules.

The Indiana Pacers acquired center Thomas Bryant from the Miami Heat, exchanging 2031 second-round draft picks with Miami retaining the more favorable selection.
The trade fills a critical gap for the Pacers, who lost backup centers Isaiah Jackson and James Wiseman to season-ending Achilles injuries.
Bryant, 27, averaged 4.1 points and 3.2 rebounds in limited minutes this season with the Heat and debuted for Indiana with seven points in a win over the Pelicans.
The trade leaves the Heat with 13 standard roster players, requiring them to add at least one more by December 29 to meet NBA rules, with options including promoting a two-way contract player like Dru Smith.
Heat coach Erik Spoelstra praised Bryant’s professionalism and noted the trade provides Miami with salary cap flexibility and opportunities to reshape the roster.