Knicks Bring in Former Indiana Pacers Center Thomas Bryant for a Workout

The New York Knicks, coming off a strong 2024-25 season where they reached the Eastern Conference Finals, are actively seeking ways to bolster their roster depth as they prepare for the 2025-26 NBA season. One of their latest moves was bringing in former Indiana Pacers center Thomas Bryant for a workout, a development that has sparked intrigue among fans and analysts. While the Knicks ultimately passed on signing Bryant, the decision to evaluate him highlights their ongoing search for frontcourt depth and raises questions about their roster strategy. This article explores the context of Bryant’s workout, his fit with the Knicks, the reasons behind their decision, and the broader implications for both Bryant and the team.

Thomas Bryant’s NBA Journey

Thomas Bryant, a 6’10” center from Rochester, New York, was selected 42nd overall by the Utah Jazz in the 2017 NBA Draft out of Indiana University. His eight-year career has seen him play for several teams, including the Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers, Denver Nuggets, Miami Heat, and most recently, the Indiana Pacers. Known for his floor-spacing ability, hustle, and rim protection, Bryant has carved out a role as a reliable backup big man. In the 2024-25 season with the Pacers, he averaged 6.9 points and 3.9 rebounds in 56 games, shooting 38.1% from three and 87.2% from the free-throw line.

Bryant’s standout performance came during the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals against the Knicks, where he played a pivotal role in Indiana’s Game 6 victory. Coming off the bench, he scored 11 points, including three three-pointers, helping the Pacers eliminate New York in a 125-108 rout. His ability to stretch the floor and provide energy made him a fan favorite in Indiana, but the Pacers’ frontcourt overhaul—featuring the addition of Jay Huff, the re-signing of James Wiseman, and the retention of Tony Bradley—left Bryant as the odd man out. After being waived by the Miami Heat in June 2025, he became a free agent, prompting the Knicks to evaluate him.

The Knicks’ Workout with Bryant

According to SNY’s Ian Begley, the Knicks brought in Thomas Bryant for a workout in early September 2025, as they continued to explore options to strengthen their roster ahead of training camp. The workout was part of a broader effort to address depth concerns, particularly in the frontcourt, where injuries to Mitchell Robinson and the inexperience of second-year center Ariel Hukporti have raised questions. Bryant reportedly impressed during the session, showcasing his shooting touch and physicality, but the Knicks ultimately decided not to sign him, opting instead to prioritize backcourt depth with additions like Malcolm Brogdon and Landry Shamet.

The decision to work out Bryant was driven by several factors. First, the Knicks’ center rotation is thin beyond starter Karl-Anthony Towns. Robinson, who has a history of ankle and foot injuries, missed significant time in the 2024-25 season, while Hukporti, a 2024 second-round pick, has yet to prove himself at the NBA level. Bryant’s experience as a backup center, combined with his ability to shoot from deep, made him an intriguing candidate to provide insurance. Additionally, his familiarity with the Knicks from their playoff matchup gave New York’s front office a clear picture of his capabilities under pressure.

Why the Knicks Passed on Bryant

Despite Bryant’s solid performance in the workout, the Knicks chose not to sign him, a decision influenced by several strategic and financial considerations. NBA insider Jake Fischer reported that the Knicks “weighed bringing in Thomas Bryant after team officials visited with the big man” but ultimately prioritized wing and backcourt depth. This shift was driven by the team’s need to address their bench scoring, which was the lowest in the league during the 2024-25 season. The additions of Brogdon, Shamet, and Garrison Mathews (on a training camp deal) were aimed at bolstering the Knicks’ perimeter offense, a more pressing need than adding another center.

Financially, the Knicks are constrained by the NBA’s luxury tax and second-apron rules. With Towns, Jalen Brunson, and OG Anunoby commanding significant salaries, the team is cautious about adding contracts that could push them further into the tax. Bryant, while likely available for a veteran minimum deal, would have required a roster spot, and the Knicks are already juggling veterans like Brogdon and Shamet for their final 15-man roster. The team also has Precious Achiuwa, who can play small-ball five, providing additional frontcourt flexibility.

Another factor was Bryant’s fit within Tom Thibodeau’s system. While Bryant’s shooting and energy align with the modern NBA, his defensive limitations—particularly in space against pick-and-roll attacks—may have given the Knicks pause. Thibodeau prioritizes rim protection and versatility, qualities Robinson and Achiuwa offer more consistently. With Hukporti as a developmental prospect, the Knicks may have felt that adding Bryant would redundantly overlap with their existing options.

The Broader Context: A Dry Free-Agent Market

The Knicks’ decision to pass on Bryant reflects broader trends in the 2025 free-agent market, described by ESPN’s Bobby Marks as “historically dry.” With few teams holding significant cap space, players like Bryant, who are solid role players but not stars, have struggled to find lucrative deals. After being waived by the Heat, Bryant’s options were limited, and the Knicks’ workout was one of his few reported NBA opportunities. The tight market has forced players of Bryant’s caliber to consider overseas contracts or G League stints, a reality that underscores the challenges he faces in securing a roster spot.

For the Knicks, the decision to prioritize backcourt depth over Bryant aligns with their goal of building a versatile, high-scoring bench to complement their star-heavy starting lineup. The additions of Jordan Clarkson, Guerschon Yabusele, and Brogdon signal a focus on offensive firepower, addressing a weakness exposed during their 2025 playoff loss to the Pacers. While Bryant could have provided frontcourt insurance, the Knicks likely viewed him as a luxury rather than a necessity.

Implications for Thomas Bryant

At 28 years old, Bryant’s career is at a crossroads. His performance with the Pacers—particularly in the playoffs—demonstrated his value as a rotation big, but his inability to secure a contract with the Knicks or another NBA team is a setback. His skill set, which includes three-point shooting (38.1% in 2024-25) and rebounding, remains appealing, but his defensive shortcomings and the crowded center market have limited his options. Teams like the Toronto Raptors, Charlotte Hornets, or Washington Wizards, who are rebuilding and have cap flexibility, could be potential landing spots, but no concrete interest has emerged.

Bryant’s next steps may involve signing a non-guaranteed contract for training camp, joining the G League, or exploring overseas opportunities. His experience as part of the Denver Nuggets’ 2023 championship team and his playoff contributions with the Pacers should keep him on NBA radars, but he’ll need to prove his worth in a competitive environment. A strong performance in a new setting could position him for a comeback in 2026, when the free-agent market is expected to be more robust.

Implications for the Knicks

For the Knicks, passing on Bryant is a calculated risk. Their frontcourt depth remains a concern, particularly with Robinson’s injury history. In the 2024-25 season, Robinson missed 51 games due to ankle and foot issues, and his status for the start of the 2025-26 season remains uncertain. Hukporti, while promising, is unproven, and Achiuwa’s ability to play center full-time is untested against elite bigs like Joel Embiid or Giannis Antetokounmpo. If injuries strike, the Knicks could regret not adding a veteran like Bryant.

However, the Knicks’ focus on backcourt depth is understandable. Their bench averaged just 26.8 points per game in 2024-25, the lowest in the NBA, and their playoff exit exposed a lack of secondary scoring. Brogdon, a former Sixth Man of the Year, and Shamet, a proven shooter, address this weakness more directly than Bryant would have. The Knicks also have flexibility to explore the trade market or sign additional free agents if needed, with Fischer noting that they are “weighing various trade scenarios” to create cap flexibility.

The Bigger Picture: Knicks’ Championship Aspirations

The Knicks’ decision to work out Bryant but not sign him reflects their broader strategy: building a roster capable of winning their first championship since 1973. After reaching the Eastern Conference Finals in 2025, the Knicks are all-in on contending, with Towns, Brunson, and Anunoby forming a formidable core. The additions of Clarkson, Yabusele, Brogdon, and Shamet have made their bench one of the deepest in the league, addressing a critical weakness. While Bryant could have provided insurance, the Knicks’ front office clearly believes their current roster is strong enough to compete without him.

The workout also signals the Knicks’ thorough approach to roster construction. By evaluating players like Bryant, they are leaving no stone unturned in their quest for depth. This diligence could pay dividends in the trade market or later in the season if injuries force them to revisit free-agent options. For now, the Knicks are banking on their existing bigs to hold the fort while their revamped bench drives them toward a title.

The New York Knicks’ decision to bring in Thomas Bryant for a workout but not sign him underscores their strategic focus on backcourt depth over frontcourt insurance. While Bryant’s shooting and energy made him an intriguing candidate, the Knicks’ financial constraints, roster priorities, and the dry 2025 free-agent market led them to pass. For Bryant, the lack of a contract is a setback, but his skills and experience should keep him in the NBA conversation. For the Knicks, the move reflects confidence in their current roster and a calculated bet on contending in 2025-26. As training camp approaches, the basketball world will watch to see if New York’s gamble pays off and where Bryant lands next.