Cleveland Cavaliers sign NBA Finalist who LeBron James called ‘one of the most skilled bigs in the game’

Cleveland Cavaliers sign free agent center Thomas Bryant

The Cavaliers have added some more depth to their frontcourt ahead of the 2025-26 season.

They have signed Thomas Bryant to a one-year deal. Bryant played a key reserve role on the Pacers during their run to the 2025 NBA Finals.

Bryant was praised by LeBron James in an interview with TalkBasket.net in 2023, when Bryant played with James on the Los Angeles Lakers.

“Thomas has definitely taken full advantage of this opportunity.

“He’s a guy who plays extremely hard, knows how to play, and probably one of the most skilled bigs in this game. He catches everything.

“He finishes everything around the rim. But he also has a soft, soft touch from the mid-range and from the three point line.

“And he just has a motor, he just has a huge motor that is just always going on both sides of the floor. I’ve always worked well with guys like that, guys who always put themselves in position.”

Thomas Bryant’s career stats

Bryant has played in eight seasons, averaging 8.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 0.7 blocks in 333 regular-season games on a career 58.2 percent shooting from the field.

Bryant has played for five teams during his career, including the Lakers, Washington Wizards, Denver Nuggets, Miami Heat and Pacers.

He was a member of the Nuggets team that won the 2023 NBA Championship. Bryant will help Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley by providing experience and insurance to the Cavaliers’ front line.

Splitting his time with the Heat and Pacers in 2024-25, Bryant appeared in 66 games, averaging 6.5 points and 3.8 rebounds.