What Other Trades Can Pacers Make After Adding Thomas Bryant?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jonah Kubicek | Last updated Dec 15, 2024 3:47 PM ET

On Friday, the Indiana Pacers made a trade with the Miami Heat, adding backup center Thomas Bryant for a future second-round pick swap. Indiana's frontcourt has been devastated by injuries early this season, making such a trade a necessity. However, with the NBA trade deadline not until February 6, the Pacers are likely not done with trades after adding Bryant.

Trading away expiring contracts usually makes the most sense for a team with playoff hopes, and between Myles Turner, Isaiah Jackson, and James Johnson are in the last years of their deals, the Pacers have roughly $26.3 million in expiring contracts. On top of that, Jarace Walker, Bennedict Mathurin, Aaron Nesmith, and Andrew Nembhard have been included in rumors, as well.

The Pacers agreed to a deal for Bryant two days before the trade could be official, and will just under two months between now and the deadline, Indiana will have plenty of time to address areas of need before they make a playoff push. At 11-15, Indiana has very clear defensive needs, and adding a premier wing defender like Dorian Finney-Smith, Kris Dunn, or even Cameron Johnson could be a possibility.

The Pacers waived Moses Brown before trading for Byrant, which opened up a roster spot and cap space, allowing Indiana to avoid sending away a player in the deal. A bigger deal down the road will require the Pacers to let someone go, and if they opt to move Turner, who is their best (and most realistic) trade chip, adding a starting-quality center like Nikola Vucevic will have to be a priority. Bryant is a solid backup but has never been a full-time starter.

Expect the Pacers to hold pat through Christmas, but as the February 6 deadline looms, the Pacers might just be getting started.

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This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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